Trending...
- New Release: 'The Invisible Alternative' Unveiled by Atrisk Corporation, Resilient
- 'Unity Through Christ Music Festival' coming to Detroit Saturday August 9, 2025
- SacraPod Suites Unveils AI-Powered 'Work + Rest' Smart Hospitality Model for Retrofitting Underused Motels Across the U.S
OCTOBER 16, 2020
Attorney General and Michigan State Police to ensure enforcement
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today issued direction to local election clerks statewide clarifying that the open carry of firearms on Election Day in polling places, clerk's offices, and absent voter counting boards is prohibited on Election Day, November 3, 2020.
Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper have joined with Secretary Benson in preparations to ensure Michigan voters are safe and secure when voting by informing local law enforcement agencies and ensuring that the ban on openly carried firearms is enforced statewide.
"Fair, free and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy," said Benson. "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."
Secretary Benson issued the directive this morning to all clerks stating 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. 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."
More on Michimich.com
In furtherance of her role as Michigan's Chief Elections Officer, with supervisory control over local election officials in the performance of their duties, the Secretary directed, "[t]he open carry of a firearm is prohibited in a polling place, in any hallway used by voters to enter or exit, or within 100 feet of any entrance to a building in which a polling place is located."
Offering her full support of the Secretary's directive, Attorney General Nessel said, "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."
"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," stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police.
The Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Michigan State Police are working together to ensure uniform enforcement of these requirements. In addition, the Attorney General and Michigan State Police will issue accompanying guidance to law enforcement on safety and security issues that could potentially impact the November 3rd, election.
More on Michimich.com
A full copy of the Secretary's guidance can be found here.
Voters who witness or experience intimidation or other unlawful conduct at the polls immediately report this to an election worker or official and document the experience as clearly as possible. If in immediate danger, voters should call 911 prior to informing an election worker or official.
# # #
For media questions, contact
Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876.
We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page.
Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to
speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
Attorney General and Michigan State Police to ensure enforcement
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today issued direction to local election clerks statewide clarifying that the open carry of firearms on Election Day in polling places, clerk's offices, and absent voter counting boards is prohibited on Election Day, November 3, 2020.
Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan State Police Director Col. Joe Gasper have joined with Secretary Benson in preparations to ensure Michigan voters are safe and secure when voting by informing local law enforcement agencies and ensuring that the ban on openly carried firearms is enforced statewide.
"Fair, free and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy," said Benson. "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."
Secretary Benson issued the directive this morning to all clerks stating 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. 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."
More on Michimich.com
- Assent Expands Executive Team to Accelerate Global Growth & Innovation
- The World's Largest Green Economic Revolution Emerges as Nature, Tech, and Finance Converge
- Vinnetwork Unveils Decentralized AI Platform with Vinnetwork(VIN) Token to Challenge Tech Giants' Data Monopoly
- Centennial Flyers to Become Colorado's First Launch Customer for All-Electric B23 Energic Aircraft
- Pyro Marketing Opens New Digital Marketing Company in Saint Petersburg to Power Growth for Fitness and Ecommerce Brands
In furtherance of her role as Michigan's Chief Elections Officer, with supervisory control over local election officials in the performance of their duties, the Secretary directed, "[t]he open carry of a firearm is prohibited in a polling place, in any hallway used by voters to enter or exit, or within 100 feet of any entrance to a building in which a polling place is located."
Offering her full support of the Secretary's directive, Attorney General Nessel said, "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."
"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," stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police.
The Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Michigan State Police are working together to ensure uniform enforcement of these requirements. In addition, the Attorney General and Michigan State Police will issue accompanying guidance to law enforcement on safety and security issues that could potentially impact the November 3rd, election.
More on Michimich.com
- Dr. John Salerno of Salerno Wellness Introduces Their New Full Body Capsule for Advanced LED Light Therapy Patient Treatments
- $14M Expansion Deal with Famed David Lloyd Highlights Rebrand of Sports, Entertainment and Gaming Innovation by AI Driven, Online Fan Engagement Co
- Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Launches Campaign to Build CHD Hospital
- Radarsign Tackles Intersection Safety with Launch of Grid-Free Solar LED Stop Sign
- Wolverine Glass Explains 3 Different Types of Shower Door Glass
A full copy of the Secretary's guidance can be found here.
Voters who witness or experience intimidation or other unlawful conduct at the polls immediately report this to an election worker or official and document the experience as clearly as possible. If in immediate danger, voters should call 911 prior to informing an election worker or official.
# # #
For media questions, contact
Tracy Wimmer at 517-281-1876.
We welcome questions and comments at the Contact the Secretary of State page.
Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to
speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).
0 Comments
Latest on Michimich.com
- Michigan SEO Group Shares 5 Proven Ways to Boost Social Media Engagement for Small Businesses
- Mussio Painting Shares The Benefits of Working with Professional Painters in Ann Arbor
- Family Caregivers in Michigan Can Now Get Paid Through Medicaid with Family Aide Home Care
- Florida Broker Bent Danholm Featured in the Daily Mail's U.S. Real Estate Coverage
- Robin Launches Legal Intelligence Platform to solve intelligence gap in Fortune 500 legal teams
- Melissa B. Releases Digitally Independent: Empowering Music Artists with AI and Brand Strategy
- Consumer Accountability Alliance Issues Formal Notice Alleging Proximate Liability for Medical Harm
- Utah Metal Fabricator Titan Forge Builds Momentum with Custom Steel Projects and Spiral Staircases
- Jason Koch: Pioneering the Future of Real Estate Development in New Jersey
- Bach and Beyond: Cellists Return to the Beach for 2nd Annual Bethany Beach Cellofest
- NR7 Miner launches zero-cost USDT cloud mining service: daily stable income + referral rewards for double profit
- Deaths Spur Closures, but Troubled Teen Camps Must Be Banned, CCHR Warns
- Hillside Terrace Champions Lifelong Learning in Assisted Living
- Veteran Criminal Defense Attorney Offers Strategic DUI Defense and License Reinstatement
- Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Attorney Urges Residents to Be Informed During Police Encounters
- ArborMotion Highlights the Importance of Timely Brake Replacement for European Vehicles
- EASTSIDE GOLF OPENS FIRST U.S. STOREFRONT IN DETROIT
- Palmer Lake Wine Festival To Build Bridges in Small Mountain Community, Highlight Local Businesses
- SacraPod Suites Unveils AI-Powered 'Work + Rest' Smart Hospitality Model for Retrofitting Underused Motels Across the U.S
- From Real Estate to Reel Power: H.L Woods Carves His Legacy as a Cutting-Edge Visionary Filmmaker