Brief #7 — Gun Control

Policy Summary
Four months after the Parkland shooting and three after the March For Our Lives, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are continuing their advocacy efforts by launching a summer-long nationwide tour aimed at mobilizing and registering young voters while simultaneously generating and sustaining awareness around gun violence. The tour, known as Road to Change, will include 75 stops, according to CNN, in areas that have been affected by gun violence as well as in culturally pro-gun areas to ‘call out’ candidates who accept donations from the NRA. The tour also stops in every one of Florida’s 27 Congressional districts. The tour endorses no candidates, but instead is meant as a way to excite and involve young voters as the midterm elections approach.

Analysis
As primaries approach and midterms ensue, mobilization and registration of young voters is the pinnacle of importance for candidates looking for support of the younger generation – particularly as it relates to gun control. Historically, midterm election turnout is low, and even lower for young voters, typically disadvantageous to Democratic candidates (many of whom are pro-gun control). The Road to Change tour will continue the conversation of supporting sensible gun legislation while also encouraging young voters to politically engage in upcoming elections.

This tour gives the Parkland students a chance to extend the gun violence conversation through the summer. Although frequently in the past gun control discussions fade quickly after mass shootings, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas have been able to continue to breathe life into the conversation long after tragedy. First with March For Our Lives, and now with the national tour, the students are continuing to mobilize and energize the next generation in a way that has previously failed.

By simultaneously calling out pro-gun candidates and touring districts with strong ties to the Second Amendment, the Road to Change tour will aim to keep their electrifying momentum and encourage young voters to show up to the polls in November.

Engagement Resources

• March For Our Lives – an organization started after the Parkland school shooting which aims to unify advocates for gun control around relevant issues. You can also find more information about the  Road to Change tour on their website. Consider donating or canvassing during the midterm elections on these issues with this organization.
• Everytown – A movement of Americans working to end gun violence and build safer communities.

 This Brief was prepared by USRESIST NEWS Analyst Sarah Barton

Photo by Heather Mount