Michigan Senate Advances Bill to Prohibit Open Carry of Firearms At Polling Places

Critical Bill Passes One Week After Landmark Gun Violence Prevention Bills Passed in 2023 Went Into Effect

LANSING, Mich. — 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 advanced 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 awaits for a Senate floor vote

“Allowing the carrying of firearms near polling places intimidates citizens, emboldens extremists, and places voters in potentially dangerous situations,” said Katie See, a volunteer with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action.  See testified in support of this bill. “This crucial bill will not only protect Michiganders from gun violence, but will also protect our democratic process. Mighigan is once again showing itself to be a leader in the fight to end gun violence, continuing to strengthen our comprehensive firearm safety toolkit.”

“Right now, many of us are reminded of the devastating impacts of gun violence: from the recent Oxford school shooting verdict to the painful reminder that the deadly shooting at Michigan State University was just one year ago,” said Sophia Mauad, a leader with Students Demand Action Michigan. “We’ve always known that more guns in more places will never make us safer, especially not at the ballot box. Simply put, guns don’t belong in polling places when voters are trying to exercise their civic duty — this decision emphasizes the need to establish an environment where voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. We thank Michigan lawmakers for continuing to put our safety and American democracy first.” 

The bill advances just a week after critical gun bills passed in 2023, including an Extreme Risk law, background checks for all gun sales, a secure firearm storage law, and a law that will prohibit people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanor offenses from purchasing or possessing firearms, went into effect. 

In an average year, 1,382 people die and 2,437 are wounded by guns in Michigan. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in Michigan, and an average of 103 children and teens die by guns every year. More information about gun violence in Michigan is available here.