MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
This election day, one of the biggest talkers on the ballot here in Memphis are the gun referendums that could require a permit to carry, ban assault rifles and create a red flag law.
Ahead of election day, a group of young Memphians is speaking out and asking voters to support those measures.
The group of kids, families and community activists met in Frayser for a rally right in front of 398 crosses representing every life lost to gun violence in Memphis in 2023.
These teens, including Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH) Youth Council member Zahra Altarbe, are fed up and are using their voices in hopes of making Memphis safer.
"To think about their entire lives, their dreams, their aspirations and all the people that loved them — it's so hard to comprehend,” Altarbe said.
Coming off a record year for homicides and children shot, the teens are asking Memphis voters to support the controversial gun safety referendums that will be on the ballot Tuesday.
MICAH Youth Council member Saviana Whitefield said all they can do right now is speak out since they’re not old enough to vote.
"Even though gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee, we have no power when it comes to the decisions that affect our lives,” said Whitefield.
Here are the gun safety question that Memphians will see on the ballot:
Would ban carrying a handgun within the city of Memphis without a valid permit. That includes openly carrying a gun and having a handgun in a vehicle without a permit. With a gun permit, the firearm and its ammo can be in a vehicle if it is stored out of sight in a trunk, glove box or locked container securely attached to the vehicle.
Would ban the possession or carrying — open or concealed — of any assault rifles in the city. It would also ban the commercial sale of assault rifles within Memphis. People with existing permits and ownership would be grandfathered in provided they can pass a background check.
Would allow courts to seize guns from someone who is judged to be a significant danger or extreme risk of harming someone else or themselves. Otherwise known as a red flag law or extreme-risk protection order. This question will be extremely lengthy on the ballot, with the exact process of how those weapons would be taken and returned spelled out in the text.
MICAH held a mock election about the three referendums. Over 700 kids, grades 5 and up, from 26 schools cast their ballot.
83.9% of votes were in favor of question one.
79.2% of votes were in favor of question two.
83.5% of votes were in favor of question three.
Whether those referendums pass to push a bigger legislative plan or not, MICAH will continue seeking solutions to stop gun violence.
These referendums act as a poll to see what the citizens want, so no laws would go into place immediately if passed.
Memphis City Council Chairman JB Smiley has said he would immediately push for a trigger law if the referendums pass.