WARNING TO MASSACHUSETTS GUN OWNERS - POLING PLACES
ELECTION SEASON IS HERE!
Remote ballot drop boxes require extra caution. A standalone ballot drop box can be considered to be covered under the new law. Do not assume that briefly approaching a drop box—or remaining in your vehicle—keeps you outside the law.
Use caution when voting or returning a ballot while carrying a firearm. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269, Section 10(k), prohibits possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm at a polling place or early-voting site while open for voting. The prohibition extends 150 feet from the building’s entrance door. A valid LTC or FID card does not authorize possession within this restricted area.
In addition, this prohibition includes any location in use at the time of possession for the storage or tabulation of ballots during the hours in which voting or tabulation is occurring or a polling place or early voting site while open for voting or within 150 feet of the building entrance door to such polling place or early voting site.
A licensed person may have a statutory defense when the firearm is securely stored in a vehicle in accordance with Massachusetts storage and transportation requirements. However, relying on a defense can still result in detention, arrest, expense, and loss of your license.