Michigan is banning the practice of openly carrying guns on Election Day at polling places and areas where ballots are counted.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the directive Friday, which prohibits open carry where votes are being cast and counted on Nov. 3.
"Fair, free and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy," Benson said. "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."
The rule will prohibit open carry within 100 feet of entrances and exits at polling places.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, meanwhile, was the target of a recent kidnapping plot by a militia group. The FBI has since arrested 14 people tied to the plot.
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