On the Nov. 4 ballot, the voters of Maine have a chance to endorse the Extreme Risk Protection Order, or red flag law, which will enable families to approach courts to directly remove weapons from people in crisis.

We cannot allow another Lewiston to happen in our state or in our schools. If the Lewiston shooter’s family had had access to the options this protection order will provide, that tragedy could very well have been avoided.

This common-sense proposal has wide support throughout the state. Even in Congressional District 2, with a large proportion of gun owners, 74% of voters approve this bill. The Responsible Gun Owners of Maine and the Maine Council of Churches urge a “Yes” vote.

Please vote “Yes” on Question 2 to save lives, to keep our schools and communities safe and to prevent a moment of crisis from becoming a tragedy.

Martha Mickles
Cape Elizabeth