Michigan Bans Open Carry of Guns Inside and Within 100 Feet of Polling Places
Oh, I'm sure this is going to get some people fired up.
Michigan is prohibiting the open carry of guns within 100 feet of polling places during this upcoming election. The main reason for this is safety and to avoid voter intimidation during the most insane election year that the country has ever witnessed.
According to The Detroit News, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson sent guidance to local election officials on Friday — 18 days before Election Day — to clarify that the open carry of firearms on Election Day in polling places, clerk’s offices and absent voter counting boards is banned.
The new guidance says.
The presence of firearms at the polling place, clerk’s office(s), or absent voter counting board may cause disruption, fear or intimidation for voters, election workers and others present.
Absent clear standards, there is potential for confusion and uneven application of legal requirements for Michigan’s 1,600 election officials, 30,000 election inspectors, 8 million registered voters and thousands of challengers and poll watchers on Election Day.
Personally, I don't think I would be intimidated to vote a certain way because someone was carrying a gun and I could see it. At the end of the day, no one knows who the hell you're voting for in the first place.
Keep in mind, they're prohibiting OPEN-carry firearms.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson:
Fair, free and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy. I am committed to ensuring all eligible Michigan citizens can freely exercise their fundamental right to vote without fear of threats, intimidation or harassment.
"Prohibiting the open-carry of firearms in areas where citizens cast their ballots is necessary to ensure every voter is protected.