Less than 14% of registered voters in Tennessee turned out for the primary Aug. 1. Although the November presidential election is expected to draw far heavier turnout, many voters give little thought to state and local contests or skip them altogether.
Those of us who care deeply about firearm safety have an opportunity in November to make an impact on the makeup of the next General Assembly. The time to start is now. Register to vote or make sure your registration is current by the Oct. 7 deadline, and make sure every eligible voter in your circle does the same.
Before you vote, do your homework to determine where the candidates stand on firearm safety. We have updated our voter tool to provide you with information about who is on your ballot and how and where to vote.
We urge you to contact the candidates and ask them where they stand on firearm safety issues such as secure storage requirements, temporary transfer laws and expanding background checks. Put a Safer TN magnet on your car to show where you stand. Let’s put the candidates on notice that most Tennesseans, including their own constituents, favor measures to make our communities safer.
Change is a long journey. Thank you for walking with us.
Sincerely,
Claudia Huskey
Executive Director
Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Come See Us in Columbia on September 6
Our coalition members will be at First Fridays in Columbia on the evening of Sept. 6. Stop by our table to say hello and pick up some swag! Want to volunteer? Click here to join us.
Join Us September 15 at the Safer TN Back to School Bash!
You and your family are invited to Safer TN’s first Back to School Bash featuring special musical guest Ketch Secor from Old Crow Medicine Show. Enjoy an afternoon of food, refreshments, kid-friendly games and activities at this inaugural event aimed at promoting safety as we head back to school. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to make a difference in your community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with people who share your commitment to firearm safety. More information and tickets here.
If you have an upcoming event where you’d like to see a Safer TN presence, share the event details and we’ll reach out to you to discuss next steps.
NEW: Safer TN Candidate Search Tool for General Election
After the great response to our primary candidate search tool that allowed Tennessee voters to look up who is on their ballot, we’ve updated the tool with general election candidate information. Find out who will be on the ballot in your district in November, and easily access their websites and contact information where you can encourage them to prioritize firearm safety in their policy platforms.
Learn More About Jillian’s Law on August 27 The Lawyers’ Association for Women Marion Griffin Chapter is presenting a panel discussion Aug. 27 on Jillian’s Law, the measure enacted this year that prohibits criminal defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial from purchasing or possessing firearms and requires that they be committed to an appropriate treatment facility if they pose a threat to themselves or others. CLE credits are available for attorneys who attend. More info and tickets here.
Secure Storage Webinar on August 28
Everytown for Gun Safety is holding a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT about how you can promote secure firearm storage, which evidence shows can reduce child gun deaths and suicides. Learn more and register here.
Safer TN car magnets are being spotted across the state! Show your support for Safer TN with a car magnet. Request one (or multiple!) here.
The latest data from the CDC on firearm deaths, 2023 provisional data published in July, shows deaths have dropped in the U.S., except among children – which saw an increase from 2,542 firearm deaths in 2022 to 2,581 in 2023.
Regional firearm death rates also varied considerably. The South had the highest number of firearm deaths (22,654) and the highest firearm death rate (17.4 per 100,000), according to the CDC data. (Source: The Trace)
Tennessee children continue to be harmed by gun violence. When will enough be enough? (The Tennessean)
Tennessee law to let teachers carry guns in schools caused a ruckus, but has drawn little interest (Chalkbeat)
Metro Nashville Public Health Department offering free gun locks at all clinics (WKRN)
Gun Deaths Fell in 2023 — Except Among Kids (The Trace)