Michigan prohibits open carry of firearms for election day activites News
Jabbacake / Pixabay
Michigan prohibits open carry of firearms for election day activites

Michigan announced new restrictions Friday prohibiting the open carry of firearms for election day activities. The policy prohibits the open carrying of firearms on election day in polling places, clerk offices, and absent voter counting boards. The ban extends to 100 feet from any of the election locations.

The policy addresses recent concerns of officials over voter intimidation. In a statement, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson stated:

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…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.

Secretary Benson has garnered the support of Michigan Attorney General Nessel and director of the Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper. On the firearm prohibition, Attorney General Nessel stated:

Michigan voters have the right to vote in person on Election Day free from threat and intimidation. An armed presence at the polls is inconsistent with our notion of a free democracy. I stand with the Secretary in her commitment to ensure that every eligible voter who wants to vote in person can do so safely and without fear or intimidation.

Col. Gasper shared his support, saying, “Michiganders should know that law enforcement across multiple levels is working together to ensure that anyone who wishes to exercise their right to vote in-person on election day can do so safely and without the threat of intimidation.”

The decision follows a foiled assassination plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer in early October that sparked concerns over political violence in the upcoming election.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.