Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Applaud Senate for Passing Legislation to Keep Guns Out of Polling Places

The Virginia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement after the Virginia Senate passed legislation to prohibit guns in polling places and places where ballots are being counted. The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk, along with legislation to address the Charleston loophole.

“No one should have to make a choice between casting a vote and facing armed intimidation,” said Joy McManus, a volunteer with Virginia Moms Demand Action. “Guns have a chilling effect on our democratic process and keeping them out of our polling places will protect our right to vote. We’re grateful to our Senators for passing this bill and urge the governor to sign it promptly.”

Last month, after the armed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Everytown for Gun Safety released a new policy plan designed to eliminate armed intimidation from politics by prohibiting guns at Capitol buildings and on Capitol grounds, sensitive government facilities, polling locations, vote counting locations, and protests on public property across the country. 

Gun violence prevention is more important than ever in the new year as the pandemic continues to exacerbate gun violence, and after a year of increased gun sales, increased calls to suicide and domestic violence hotlines, and an increase in city gun violence. Read more about Virginia Moms Demand Action legislative priorities this session here.