Benson included the decision in guidance sent to Michigan clerks as elections officials prepare for any voter intimidation efforts on Election Day, Nov. 3.
“Fair, free and secure elections are the foundation of our democracy,” Benson said in a news release.
“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 directive states that no one may openly carry a firearm within 100 feet of a polling place, clerk’s office or absentee ballot counting board. It requires clerks to post signage noting the rule, and to contact law enforcement if there are any violations.
Additional guidance from the state to law enforcement on possible safety and security issues on Election Day is expected soon.
There are thousands of polling places around the state, many located at schools, churches or similar venues. Although President Donald Trump has bashed mail-in voting and encouraged supporters to vote in person on Election Day, he has also called for an “army” of supporters to monitor voting at the polls.
This has prompted concerns there may be an increase in voter intimidation, especially in a state like Michigan that was decided by only 10,704 votes in 2016.
State Rep. Beau LaFave, an outspoken Republican from Iron Mountain, blasted the decision.
“It doesn’t surprise me one bit that the secretary of state is playing these cheap political games. The idea that she must prevent people from exercising their Second Amendment rights for our elections to be safe and secure is absolutely false. Secretary Benson is fearmongering to suppress voters, and it’s appalling,“ LaFave said.
LaFave said that “while some polling locations like churches and schools are already ‘pistol-free’ zones under state statute, with limited exceptions, any unilateral action by the executive branch, secretary of state or attorney general banning firearms in other polling places is unlawful, unenforceable and a violation of citizens’ voting rights and their right to self-defense.
“No voter should be forced to choose between these fundamental principles. There’s no way her ban passes constitutional muster. I have no doubt a lawsuit will be forthcoming,” LaFave said.