Federalist Society Member Judge Christopher Murray overturns ban on open carry of guns at poll

Axios
By Jacob Knutson
Oct 27, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Judge Christopher Murray on Tuesday reversed a directive by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson that banned the open carry of firearms at or near polling places or absentee counting boards on Election Day.

Why it matters: Benson said the rule was intended to curb the possibility of voter intimidation or harassment on Nov. 3 Meanwhile, the state's Attorney General Dana Nessel argued the necessity for the directive has grown since an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was revealed, according to the Detroit News.

What they're saying: Murray wrote that the edict violated the state law that governs how new rules are enacted by going beyond existing legislation about where open carry is banned.

https://www.axios.com/michigan-open-carry-gun-ban-election-polling-place-7575510b-572c-44fb-8582-57869b5c588f.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=organic&utm_content=1100

Additionally, in May 2015, Murray was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as a judge on the Michigan Court of Claims. He was re-appointed in 2019. This role is in addition to his appellate court duties. His term expires on May 1, 2021.

Member, Board of Advisors, Michigan Chapter of the Federalist Society

https://ballotpedia.org/Christopher_Murray