Michigan Legislature Passes Bill to Prohibit Open Carry of Firearms At Polling Places

The Michigan House Floor Also Voted to Pass Secure Firearm Storage Notifications – the Next Stop for This Legislation is a Senate Committee Hearing

LANSING, Mich. — Today, The Michigan chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statements after the Michigan legislature passed a bill to prohibit the possession of firearms near polling locations and other electoral facilities out of committee. Moms Demand Action volunteers testified in support of the legislation. The bill now heads to Michigan Governor Whitmer’s desk to be signed into law. Michigan House lawmakers also advanced House Bill 5450/5451, legislation to require secure firearm storage notifications. The bill’s next stop is a Senate committee hearing.

“Allowing the carrying of firearms near polling places intimidates citizens, emboldens extremists, and places voters in potentially dangerous situations,” said Anna Whittle, volunteer with the Michigan chapter of Students Demand Action at Hope College. “This crucial policy will not only protect Michiganders from gun violence, but will also protect our democratic process. The Michigan gun safety trifecta is once again showing itself to be a leader in the fight to end gun violence, continuing to strengthen our comprehensive gun safety toolkit.”

In Michigan, approximately 1,421 people are killed by firearms every year and 2,983 are wounded by guns. An average of  115 children and teens die by guns every year in the state – two thirds third of those deaths being firearm homicide. Gun violence costs Michigan $16.8 billion each year, of which $380.5 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Michigan is available here.