Volunteer for MCRGO-PAC

MCRGO's Board of Directors will appoint three volunteers for MCRGO's 2024 Political Action Committee (MCRGO-PAC) at the March 28 Regular Spring Board Meeting.

MCRGO-PAC provides candidate ratings for Michigan legislative elections and other state level seats. MCRGO-PAC does not rate or endorse for local elections, judicial elections other than Michigan Supreme Court, or federal elections. Once appointed, MCRGO-PAC operates independently of the Board of Directors.

The MCRGO-PAC ratings and endorsements process is objective. Candidates for the primary election are rated based on a 10 question survey and incumbent voting history. Candidates who are successful in their primary election and who have a B rating or higher are eligible for consideration for an endorsement in the general election.

Ratings and endorsements are made by a balanced multi-partisan committee. MCRGO-PAC consists of an appointed temporary committee of one Republican member, one Democratic member, and one Libertarian or independent member along with a permanent non-voting secretary. The role of the committee is to oversee the process to ensure it remains objective without personal bias or outside interference. Committee members may also be asked to make decisions about endorsements for the general election in seats with more than one qualified candidate.

If you are interested in serving on MCRGO-PAC 2024, please email MCRGO at [email protected] providing your full name, current MCRGO member number, any recent MCRGO volunteer activities you've participated in, and your identification as a Republican, Democrat, or Libertarian/independent*. All applicants will be informed of the Board's appointments on Friday, March 29, 2024.

*For the purposes of MCRGO-PAC, members who vote for one of the two major political parties more than 60% of the time should identify with that party even if they personally consider themselves to be an independent voter.

Polling Place Gun Ban Update

House Bills 4127 and its companion HB 4128 passed the full Senate last week on a 20-18 party line vote and were returned to the Michigan House of Representative for concurrence. These bills already passed the Michigan House on a party line vote of 56-53 last November. They did not receive immediate effect in the Senate.

The legislation prohibits the possession of firearms within 100 feet of a polling place during election day. The legislation also prohibits firearms possession within 100 feet of early voting sites, within 100 feet of clerks' offices within 40 days before an election, and within 100 feet of an absentee voter ballot drop box for 40 days before an election. The updated analysis as passed the Senate can be found HERE.

Several changes were made to the legislation since it was originally introduced that makes it less burdensome. Concealed pistol license holders carrying concealed are exempted. Peace officers, whether on duty or off, are exempted. Private property owners and their guests within the 100' perimeter are exempted. Lawful transportation and possession of a firearm in a vehicle is exempted.

MCRGO remains opposed to the bills. While the bills are now intended to focus only on open carry, they would also subject CPL holders with a fully or partially exposed firearm to a 90 day misdemeanor, even if the exposure, otherwise legal in Michigan, is unintentional as is common in the warmer months. The legislation intends to treat the constitutionally protected act of open carry as brandishing, contradicting Michigan's MCL 750.222 which defines brandishing as "to point, wave about, or display in a threatening manner with the intent to induce fear in another person."

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ultimate Sports Show

Thursday-Sunday, March 7-10, 2024, Hours Vary by Day

DeVos Place; 303 Monroe Ave. NW; Grand Rapids, MI 49503

MCRGO's Booth Number is 2067.

Northern Lower Peninsula Picnic with Michigan's Allied Gun Groups

Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Northland's Sportsmen's Club; 1592 Old Alba Road; Gaylord, MI 49735

No RSVP is required.

Open to MCRGO members, friends & family.

MCRGO/MOC/MGO will provide grilled items and beverages at no cost.

You are encouraged to bring your firearms, ammunition, and ear & eye protection.