Students meet at Central High to end gun violence

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After a lawsuit and threats from state leaders, the state of Tennessee will allow Memphis’ gun referendums to be on the ballot this November.

It is set to lead to a lengthy ballot as early voting starts next week.

Thursday afternoon, students and city leaders joined together in support of the Memphis gun referendums at Central High School, where one 11th grader says she specifically is worried about the amount of students who are found with weapons on campus.

“We really need to make sure we are included because we are impacted by the violence,” said Simone Carter, a junior on the Central High School student council.

She says even though she can’t vote she wants change.

Students with MICAH Youth Council argue that gun violence has no age limits. While many are are out of school across Memphis Shelby County Schools for Fall break, these students gathered at Central High School.

City Councilman JB Smiley says the referendum gives voters an opportunity to make their voices heard.

“Gun crime affects SC differently than any other county in this state and the city of Memphis more than any other city in this state,” Smiley said.

Referendum Ordinance No. 5908 will ask three questions about red flag laws, an assault rifle ban and a permit to carry requirement.

“Vote yes on every last one of them,” Smiley said.

Many state-level leaders disagree, with the Tennessee Attorney General calling the Memphis referendum “ a fraud. “

While these students won’t submit ballots in November, mock elections are set to be held across the district.

“By doing the mock elections we want to make sure we are getting more education on how voting works  and make students think about what it means to vote,” Carter said.

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