Carry at polling places.

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Bazoo

Bazoo

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Does anyone know the legality of carrying at polling places?

Is it state by state?

What if the polling place is at a school? Could one leave their firearm in the car and go vote, and be considered legal?
 
Yes. Voting laws are state issues.

It was legal in Va. if the polling place wasn’t in a school. I’m not sure if it still is. Our previous governor was very anti gun and pushed lots of stuff to hurt our rights. And I know one he wanted was making polling places “gun free zones”.
 
Each state will be different. In Virginia, the law says violation of the following is a Class One Misdemeanor:

§ 24.2-604. Polling places; prohibited activities; prohibited area; penalties.
A. During the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within one hour of opening or after closing, it is unlawful for any person (i) to loiter or congregate within 40 feet of any entrance of any polling place; (ii) within such distance to give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign material to any person or to solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iii) to hinder or delay a qualified voter in entering or leaving a polling place; or (iv) to knowingly possess any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.

F. The provisions of clause (iv) of subsection A shall not apply to (i) any law-enforcement officer or any retired law-enforcement officer qualified pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-308.016; (ii) any person occupying his own private property that falls within 40 feet of a polling place; or (iii) an armed security officer, licensed pursuant to Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, whose employment or performance of his duties occurs within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.
 
It is definitely on a state by state basis. Always check your state laws.

Here in Missouri, it is illegal to carry within 25 feet of any polling place on election days.

From Missouri Revised Statute Chapter 571

571.215. Permit authorizes carrying on person or in vehicle — prohibited areas — penalty for violation. — 1. A Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit issued under sections 571.205 to 571.230 shall authorize the person in whose name the permit is issued to carry concealed firearms on or about his or her person or vehicle throughout the state. No Missouri lifetime or extended concealed carry permit shall authorize any person to carry concealed firearms into:

  (1) Any police, sheriff, or highway patrol office or station without the consent of the chief law enforcement officer in charge of that office or station. Possession of a firearm in a vehicle on the premises of the office or station shall not be a criminal offense so long as the firearm is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is on the premises;

  (2) Within twenty-five feet of any polling place on any election day. Possession of a firearm in a vehicle on the premises of the polling place shall not be a criminal offense so long as the firearm is not removed from the vehicle or brandished while the vehicle is on the premises;
Click to expand...

Here is the applicable link to the Missouri revised statute: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=571.215
 
My polling place in NH is in a school, and federal law prohibits carrying within 1000 feet. However, the state AG issued a statement in 2020 that if you have a permit, you're good. Even though NH is a constitutional carry state, my wife and I both have permits.
 
Know what's insane? NO carry guns at NRA Convention. WTH


Anyways
Arizona law prohibits private citizens, even if properly licensed, from entering the 75-foot limit of a voting location with a weapon. Further, since many voting locations are located in schools, it may be unlawful to bring a firearm on school property, even outside the 75-foot-limit. A.R.S. § 13-3102(A)(11)-(12).

Openly carrying a firearm outside the 75-foot limit is also problematic and likely to result in unlawful voter intimidation. Additionally, any aggressive or ostentatious display of a weapon will almost certainly constitute an act of intimidation.
Same with photographs.
 
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State by state, but some locations are also prohibited (schools, government offices, etc.).
 
Not allowed in Fl or NC. So I disarmed in my jeep and went in and voted wearing an empty holster on my belt the last 2 elections. And a red and white hat that said something and a NRA shirt.
 
Know what's insane? NO carry guns at NRA Convention.
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https://www.nraam.org/attend/attendee-faqs/

Is concealed carry allowed at the Show?

During the 151st NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, personal firearms may be carried in the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in accordance with Texas law. When carrying your firearm, always adhere to all federal, state, and local laws.
 
FL-NC said:
Not allowed in Fl or NC. So I disarmed in my jeep and went in and voted wearing an empty holster on my belt the last 2 elections. And a red and white hat that said something and a NRA shirt.
Click to expand...

Unless it has been changed since 2020, there is no specific prohibition to carrying a firearm at a voting location in NC, UNLESS the polls are in a school, federal or state courthouse, or any building that has a posted general ban on firearms within.
 
No sure about Nebraska, where I live. I leave the gun in the car (yes, safely) and not be concerned. But I have never seen metal detectors or armed guards at polling sites.

However, I submit one who has been vetted by the state and found suitable to have a concealed weapon is more trustworthy than one who carries a sidearm without regard (unabashedly editorial statement).
 
Bazoo said:
Does anyone know the legality of carrying at polling places?

Is it state by state?

What if the polling place is at a school? Could one leave their firearm in the car and go vote, and be considered legal?
Click to expand...


https://www.gunstocarry.com/gun-laws-state/kentucky-gun-laws/


Places Off-Limits in Kentucky
  • Any police station or sheriff's office
  • Any detention facility, prison, or jail
  • Any courthouse, courtroom, or court proceeding
  • Any meeting of the governing body of a county, municipality, or special district
  • Any meeting of the General Assembly or a committee of the General Assembly
  • Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense beer or alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose
  • Any elementary or secondary school facility
  • Any child-caring facility, day-care center, or certified family child-care home
  • State and local governments have the authority to limit the carrying of concealed weapons on property owned or controlled by them
  • Colleges, universities, technical schools and community colleges have the authority to limit the carrying of concealed weapons on property owned or controlled by them
  • An area of an airport to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
 
In Michigan, concealed carry at a polling place is illegal if the polling place is in a building where concealed carry is normally prohibited. Open carry at polling places in Michigan is legal in spite of a 2020 Secretary of State declaration to the contrary. If the polling place is at a school, then the open carrier must have a valid Michigan CPL.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/lo...rt-appeals-open-carry-polls-legal/6075907002/
 
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https://www.nraam.org/media/3617/secret-service-notice.pdf
Click to expand...
For one 4-5 hour period in a convention that spans 4 days, in one specific area of the convention that is separate from the area with exhibitors , due to Secret Service rules in place for a special visitor, carry will be restricted.

That is absolutely not the same thing as: "NO carry guns at the NRA convention."
 
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