Statements on House passage of bills to restrict firearms at Michigan polling places

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, and Rep. Stephanie Young today issued the following statements on House passage of HB 4127 and HB 4128, restricting firearms at polling locations while voting is taking place: 

"Our work to keep all voters safe and protect the people who protect democracy has taken a big leap forward,” Secretary Benson said. "I’m so grateful to see our legislation limiting firearms in voting locations head to the Governor’s desk. These bills bring Michigan in line with states like Texas, Georgia, Vermont, and others with similar restrictions and will help us keep every election – and every Michigander – safe and secure. Thank you to Rep. Tsernoglou, Rep. Young, and our legislative leaders for their hard work to get this done."

"This legislation will ensure that election workers are protected while conducting free and fair elections and make voters feel safe while exercising their right to vote,” said Rep. Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing). “Protecting election integrity means ensuring Michiganders feel safe and free from intimidation." 

"Having grown up hearing stories from my elders about barriers they faced simply trying to participate in the democratic process of voting, I am grateful that fear and intimidation at the polls and counting boards by persons brandishing firearms is no longer an issue," said Rep. Young (D-Detroit). “Citizens and election workers deserve to feel safe." 

HB 4127 and HB 4128 have been passed by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature and await Governor Whitmer’s signature to become law.