Michigan Secretary of State Bans Open Carry of Firearms at Polling Stations

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued directions to local clerks Friday banning the open carry of firearms at polling stations statewide on Election Day.

The directions state that, "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."

As such, Benson has directed that the open carry of firearms not be allowed within 100 feet of any polling location, clerk’s office, or absent voter counting board on Election Day.

All polling locations are required to clearly post the following verbiage:

The open carrying of a firearm is prohibited in a polling place, inside any hallway used by voters to enter or exit a polling place, and within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing a polling place on Election Day. Outside of 100 feet, no person can act in a way that would tend to intimidate, hinder or impede voters on their way to the polling place. These prohibitions also apply to an election clerk's office or absent voter counting board on Election Day.

Attorney General Dana Nessel has stated that she will work with The Secretary of State, and Michigan State Police to ensure uniform enforcement of the requirements.