Why Firearms Owners Must Prioritize Voter Registration Now
The election is over, and many of us are breathing a sigh of relief—or maybe frustration, depending on how you view the results. With the next election cycle two years away, it’s tempting to think we have plenty of time to get back in the game. But here’s the hard truth: getting complacent now is exactly how we lose ground.
For firearm owners who cherish the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution—both state and federal—there is no such thing as “off-season.” The fight for our rights is ongoing, and voter registration is one of the most critical tools we have to ensure our voices are heard and our freedoms preserved.
The Stakes Are High
Every election has consequences, not just at the federal level but right here in our own states and communities. Anti-gun legislation doesn’t magically appear overnight. It creeps in through city councils, state legislatures, and ballot initiatives. If firearms owners aren’t showing up at the polls in force, we risk seeing our rights eroded piece by piece.
Think about it: Every voter registration form not submitted is a voice not counted. Every voice not counted leaves the door open for lawmakers who don’t respect our right to keep and bear arms to win elections unopposed.
Why Register Now?
You might be thinking, “Why should I worry about voter registration when the next election is years away?” Here’s why:
1. Momentum Matters: Right after an election is the perfect time to organize. The issues are fresh in everyone’s minds, and the lessons learned from this election cycle can fuel action for the next one. Don’t let that energy fade away.
2. Life Happens: People move, change names, or forget to update their voter registration status. Procrastinating until the next election cycle could mean scrambling to get your paperwork in order at the last minute—or worse, missing the deadline altogether.
3. Building a Base: Voter registration isn’t just about individuals. It’s about growing a collective voice. The sooner we start registering voters, the stronger and more organized our base will be when it’s time to head to the polls.
The Firearms Community: A Sleeping Giant
Firearms owners represent a massive voting bloc, but that power is only effective if we show up. Studies consistently show that voter turnout among gun owners doesn’t always match our numbers. That needs to change.
Think about the conversations you’ve had at gun shops, ranges, or club meetings. How many folks passionately defend their rights but haven’t taken the simple step of registering to vote? It’s time to turn that passion into action.
How You Can Help
Here’s the deal: voter registration is not just someone else’s responsibility. It’s ours. Here’s how we can get started:
1. Check Your Status: Start with yourself. Make sure your voter registration is up to date, it takes just a few minutes online in most states. In Arizona, check the Clean Elections website.
2. Talk About It: Next time you’re at the range or chatting with fellow firearms enthusiasts, ask if they’re registered to vote. It might feel awkward at first, but trust me, those conversations matter.
3. Host Registration Drives: Partner with local gun shops, ranges, or organizations to host voter registration events. Make it easy and accessible for folks to register on the spot.
4. Educate and Motivate: Share why voter registration is essential. Talk about how many elections are won or lost by razor-thin margins and how every vote truly counts.
5. Stay Engaged: Don’t stop at voter registration. Make it a habit to keep firearms owners informed about legislative issues and upcoming elections. Knowledge is power, and an informed voter is a powerful advocate.
Our Rights, Our Responsibility
The freedoms we enjoy as firearm owners weren’t handed to us on a silver platter. They were fought for, and they need to be defended constantly. Voter registration is one of the most straightforward yet impactful ways to protect those rights.
So let’s not get complacent. Let’s take action now, while the urgency is fresh and the stakes are clear. The fight for our freedoms doesn’t take a break—and neither should we.
Together, we can ensure that when the next election rolls around, the firearms community is not just present but unstoppable. Get registered, get active, and let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear.
Your freedom depends on it.
Michael Infanzon
Chief Lobbyist, Arizona Citizens Defense League