SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico voters may have to leave their firearms behind when they head to the polls in future elections. In a 7-4 vote along party lines, New Mexico lawmakers approved a bill that would deny voters from bringing guns, either open or concealed, to polling places during an election.
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Backers say the goal is to prevent voter intimidation and keep the polls safe. Some argued against the bill during public comments Friday evening, saying there are other ways to address the safety concerns and that if the law passes, citizens following the law would pay the price.
“Gun-free zones, as previously mentioned, only impact law-abiding citizens and don’t provide any increased safety,” said someone opposing the bill.