New Atlanta Journal-Constitution Poll Shows Georgians Oppose Permitless Carry

The Georgia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after a new Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll revealed an overwhelming opposition to permitless carry among Georgia voters. According to the AJC, nearly seven in ten Georgia voters who responded to the poll said they are opposed to permitless carry legislation that would allow people to carry handguns — openly or concealed — in public without a license. The poll involved 872 registered Georgia voters and was conducted by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. 

“Putting more guns on Georgia streets while lowering the bar for who gets to carry them is not only a terrible idea – it’s an unpopular one, too,” said Elaine DeSimone, a volunteer with the Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Governor Kemp and other state lawmakers are putting our lives on the line to play political games, and they’re losing. Georgians deserve better.”

This session, Georgia lawmakers will consider legislation that would eliminate the state’s handgun carry licensing process. Earlier this month, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and former Senator David Perdue voiced their support for such legislation. 

What to know about permitless carry in Georgia:

• Permitless carry legislation would allow a person to carry loaded handguns in public without a background check, dismantling Georgia’s culture of responsible gun ownership.
• Permitless carry laws significantly hinder law enforcement’s ability to prevent people with dangerous histories — including extremists and white supremacists with criminal histories — to carry firearms, putting public safety in jeopardy. 
• States that have weakened their firearm carry permitting system have experienced a 13-15 percent increase in violent crime rates and an 11 percent increase in handgun homicide rates.
• Permitless carry has been staunchly opposed by law enforcement across the country, including in Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
• More information about permitless carry is available here.

In an average year, 1,693 people die by guns in the state of Georgia, and 4,492 more are wounded. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Georgia. Gun violence costs Georgia $12.0 billion each year, of which $581.3 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Georgia is available here.

If you would like to speak with a Georgia Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action Volunteer, please do not hesitate to reach out.