House rejects bill to ban guns at polling places

CONCORD — A bill to ban firearms at polling places was defeated in the New Hampshire House of Representatives on Wednesday in a 204-144 vote.

Supporters of the ban said the issue is more important than ever, now that the state is close to allowing concealed carry of firearms without a permit from the local police chief. The "Constitutional Carry" bill has passed both the House and Senate, and is likely to be signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu.

Rep. Wayne Burton, D-Durham, said the ban should also be approved to make New Hampshire law consistent with the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, since so many communities use school buildings for voting.

“Given the expected elimination of the concealed carry permit, the minority would prefer to retain this bill in order to address those issues and possible conflicts with federal law,” said Burton.

- See more at: http://www.unionleader.com/House-rejects-bill-to-ban-guns-at-polling-places