A Win for Democracy and Gun Safety in Michigan

• Jessie Ojeda
• November 19, 2024

The state legislature passed a package of bills banning the open carry of firearms at polling places, absentee ballot drop boxes, and election-related locations—and it’s all but guaranteed that Governor Gretchen Whitmer will sign it before the new year. This landmark legislation is a critical step toward ensuring voters can participate in the democratic process without fear of armed intimidation.

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As a proud former Michigander and alumnus of Oxford High School—forever linked to the pain of a mass shooting—this win feels deeply personal. It’s not just a policy achievement, but a reflection of a collective commitment to creating safer spaces for civic engagement.

That’s why my work at GIFFORDS is so meaningful to me, and why I was proud to contribute to this legislative effort. Thanks to the state legislators and coalition members who made this success happen, my home state, my family, my friends, and countless others can now participate in elections without the looming fear of gun violence—a critical step toward fostering safer and more accessible democratic spaces.

The need for this type of legislation has been starkly evident, both nationally and here in Michigan. Armed intimidation at election sites has become increasingly common, and seeking retribution for unfavored election results is slowly being normalized. 

In 2020, armed protesters gathered outside Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s home, threatening her over unfounded claims of election fraud. Detroit election workers have faced similar dangers, including a report of gunfire that forced staff to temporarily leave their posts. And, in a chilling escalation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the target of a kidnapping plot that highlighted the rising potential for armed violence against democratic institutions and leaders.

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As a former election worker, I’ve seen firsthand how the fear of armed intimidation undermines civic participation and shakes the confidence of voters and officials alike. These experiences informed my testimony earlier this year in support of this bill, where I emphasized the critical need to protect voters and election workers from the chilling effects of armed threats.

The mere presence of a gun increases the likelihood of violence, and bringing a weapon near any polling place, government building, or other democratic space is both unjustified and unacceptable. I understand the dedication and responsibility it takes to ensure our elections run smoothly, and it’s deeply troubling that so many of my fellow workers nationwide have faced armed threats and intimidation simply for doing their jobs. No one should feel unsafe while fulfilling their civic duty, and no democratic process should be overshadowed by fear of armed violence.

Nationally, nearly one in three election officials have experienced harassment or abuse, according to recent survey data. Voters, too, have expressed concerns about safety. A 2022 survey by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism revealed that fewer than half of respondents felt safe at polling places, with historically disenfranchised communities expressing even greater fears.

These experiences illustrate why the presence of firearms at election sites erodes public trust and threatens the democratic process. But Michigan’s new law directly addresses these threats while respecting constitutional rights—a balance affirmed by the Supreme Court in Bruen, which upheld restrictions on firearms in “sensitive places” such as polling sites.

This new legislation also reflects the will of the people. A 2022 poll found that 65% of Michiganders—including a majority of independents and gun owners—support banning firearms at polling places. By enacting this law, Michigan lawmakers have listened to their constituents and taken a significant step to protect voters, election workers, and the integrity of elections themselves.

Michigan’s victory proves that meaningful change is possible—but this is just one step in the fight to protect our democracy. Millions of voters and election workers across the nation remain vulnerable to armed intimidation.

At GIFFORDS, we’re leveraging our advocacy, research, and partnerships to push for lasting reforms. Our Guns and Voting report, created with the Brennan Center for Justice, as well as our Engines of Extremism report underline the urgent need for action. While the former focuses on specific steps states can take to protect their elections, the latter explores armed political violence and how it’s fueled by the gun lobby. 

Michigan’s new law is a big win for public safety, and it helps enforce the standard all states should strive to reach to protect their democratic institutions—a standard that the gun violence prevention movement will continue to advocate for. Our democracy must remain safe, secure, and accessible for all.

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The gun safety movement is on the march: Americans from different background are united in standing up for safer schools and communities. Join us to make your voice heard and power our next wave of victories. 

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