Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel say it’s not too late to reinstate a ban on openly carrying guns at or near polling places on Election Day. They are appealing a court ruling that struck down a directive from Benson.
The decision to strike down the ban came from a Michigan Court of Claims judge. The next stop is the state Court of Appeals.
Nessel said the state stands by its position that guns at polling places can be intimidating, and that the secretary of state has broad power to ensure safe and orderly elections. She said the case is on a fast track.
“We will have this resolved by November 3rd, and we will make it clear exactly what the rules are and are not prior to people going into the polls on that particular day.”
Brandishing a firearm and blocking access to polling places are already illegal, said Nessel.
She said there will also be a state hotline for people to report problems, including instances of voter intimidation.