A judge in Michigan issued a decision on Tuesday that will allow people to openly carry guns at polling locations, and other areas tied to the voting process, on Election Day.
Michigan Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray issued the decision in response to a directive that Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced earlier this month.
While Michigan is an open carry state, Benson and Nessel said in announcing their directive that the intention of the temporary ban was to make sure that “all eligible Michigan citizens can freely exercise their fundamental right to vote without fear of threats, intimidation or harassment.”
According to The Detroit Free Press, Murray said the timing of the directive was problematic. “The secretary just didn’t do this in the right way and at the right time,” Murray said during the hearing, according to the paper.
In a statement shared with Newsweek, Benson said her office would appeal Murray’s decision.
“As the state’s Chief Election Officer I have a sworn duty to protect every voter and their right to cast their ballot free from intimidation and harassment,” Benson said. “I will continue to protect that right in Michigan, and we will be appealing this ruling.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
