LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills into law on Tuesday that make it illegal to open carry a firearm at polling locations across the state.
The governor called the bills “commonsense” by saying they reduce “the threat of voter intimidation and suppression.
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“Together, we are creating a safe environment for voters to make their voices heard. Here in Michigan, we are getting it done,” Whitmer said after signing the bills into law.
Representatives Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) and Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) both supported the legislation. “By increasing security measures, we are ensuring that every Michigander can cast their ballot free from intimidation and that every election worker can perform their duty without fear of violence,” Tsernoglou said. Young chimed in with, “We’re reinforcing the principle that violence has no place in our electoral process.”
There are exceptions, including carrying a concealed pistol if already licensed and those lawfully transporting a firearm in a vehicle.
Not everyone is celebrating the new law. One social media poster said, “Responsible gun owners aren’t going to just shoot someone or intimidate. And most are concealed carriers. This is just another 2A infringement.”
Another poster said, “People who carry guns to do terrible things do not follow laws. People who carry guns for safety generally try to follow the laws. So the people who would protect others from [ill] intent are no longer carrying their guns while the people carrying guns to do terrible things are still armed.,” The poster continued, “Which means I am not any safer at the voting booth, quite the opposite.”
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