On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed new legislation that prohibits openly carrying firearms at polling locations or bringing them into vote counting centers in Michigan. The law is intended to ensure, as Whitmer stated, "Together, we are creating a safe environment for voters to make their voices heard," protecting both voters and election workers from potential intimidation or violence, according to Audacy,

House Bills 4127 and 4128, introduced by Democratic Representatives Penelope Tsernoglou and Stephanie A. Young, aim to stop voter intimidation by banning the open carry of firearms at voting locations and ballot drop boxes in Michigan. Concealed carry license holders and law enforcement are still allowed to carry guns. These bills passed the House and Senate with Democrat support and Republican opposition, who argue the laws could violate Second Amendment rights, as stated by Detroit Free Press.

Michigan has joined 19 other states in banning open carry at polling places and is now the 8th state to prohibit firearms at vote-counting sites. This move aims to ensure that "Voters, election workers and officials should never feel threatened or intimidated at the polls." The legislation has faced opposition from the National Rifle Association, which argues that "law-abiding gun owners should not face criminal penalties for simply crossing arbitrary lines with no intent to disrupt or interfere with the voting process." Michigan continues to prioritize a secure, peaceful electoral process without the presence of visible firearms, as reported by The Detroit News.