Should NH continue to allow carrying firearms at polling places?

January 11, 2017

HB 350, a bill sponsored by Rep. Wayne Burton, would make it illegal to carry a firearm into a polling place during a federal or local election. The law would apply to both loaded and unloaded weapons, whether carried openly or concealed.

Currently, NH law does not prohibit carrying firearms into polling places during an election. An exception to this law applies to polling places at schools, where federal law dictates that only those with a concealed carry permit are allowed to have a firearm with them when they vote, even if carrying openly. However, it is up to federal agencies, rather than local law police, to enforce that law.

Supporters argue that allowing guns at polls can result in voter intimidation or increase the chance of a violent conflict.

Opponents counter that there is no history of gun violence or intimidation at New Hampshire polling places, making the law unnecessary. Others maintain that citizens have a right to self-defense even at polling places.

Should NH continue to allow carrying firearms at polling places? Join the discussion on Facebook, and we’ll present your opinions as testimony at the legislative public hearing on this bill. Only comments from NH residents will be counted, so please indicate if you are from NH in your response.

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Comments

CWO Chaplain Roger ( Billy )

January 18, 2017

Gun Carry Permits and 2ND. Amendment gives Legally Qualified Permit Holders legal Rights by The Constitution of the United States Right to Bear Arms ??? Good Citizens of this Great State Need to Worry About All the CRIMINALS NEXT to You Carrying ILLEGAL WEAPONS and By CARRYING THESE WEAPONS PROVE THE LAWS DO NOT DETERR Them from VIOLATING ALL LAWS ??? THEY The CRIMINALS Are SUBJECT To CARRY ILLEGAL WEAPONS into POLLING PLACE And With No REASON And What If THEY TARGET JUST THE POLL WORKERS With ID Badges ON and Start Shooting Them I Pray This NEVER HAPPENS ??? But If DOES I WOULD HOPE A GOOD LAW ABIDING GUN CARRYING PERMIT HOLDER WOULD BE THERE AND WOULD SHOOT AND KILL THE CRIMINAL BEFORE HE FIRED THE FIRST SHOT ??? HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ABOUT RESTRICTING HOLDERS FROM CARRYING THEIR WEAPONS ANY PLACE THEY CHOOSE ??? CWO Chaplain Billy Bates Class of 69

Michael

January 18, 2017

Yes it should be allowed that an individual with a carry permit can carry a firearm into the voting polls. But only those who have a permit.

Daniel

January 18, 2017

Right are not a privilege if you want to take my rights away let's go to court. Rights are not granted or taken by legislation. One is born with them. They are God given not state given.

Should NH continue to allow carrying firearms at polling places?

Comments

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