Disaffiliate and Defend!

Are you a gun owner in Rhode Island concerned about proposed changes to gun laws? There’s a strategic effort underway that you need to know about, focused on encouraging voters to disaffiliate and participate in the Democratic primary, ensuring that your voice has a direct impact where it matters most.

On January 23rd, at a meeting at the Manville Sportsman’s Club, the 2nd Amendment PAC, The 2nd Amendment Coalition, Para Bellum Provisions and others, laid out a strategy to unite and mobilize Rhode Island’s gun rights community. This initiative is about taking back control, ensuring that pro-Second Amendment voters aren’t sidelined, and leveraging the primary system to prevent anti-gun candidates from advancing. Here’s how it works.

Why This Strategy Is Critical

Governor Dan McKee has proposed a budget for 2025 that could reclassify nearly all semi-automatic firearms as “assault weapons.” This change would impact over 160,000 gun owners and lead to stricter gun control policies.

The biggest threat? The fight is happening in the Democratic primary. Rhode Island has closed primaries, which means if you’re a Republican, you can’t vote in the election where these anti-gun candidates are being decided.

This is critical in ALL RACES, both statewide offices as well as the General Assembly.

If you’re not voting in the primary, you’re giving up your chance to protect your rights before it’s too late.

The Disaffiliation Strategy: How It Works

This isn’t about changing your political beliefs; it’s a strategic move to protect your gun rights. Here’s how it works:

1. Check your Party Registration: Go to the RI Secretary of State voter information center and check you voter registration.
2. Disaffiliate Today: If you are registered as a Republican, click “Edit my Voter Record” to change your voter status to “unaffiliated” so you can vote in the Democratic primary.
3. Vote Where It Counts: This allows Second Amendment supporters to vote in the Democratic primary, Vote against ANY CANDIDATE that supports advancing the gun ban or other restrictions on your right to keep and bear arm. This is where we can influence the outcome and prevent anti-gun candidates from advancing.
4. Re-register Anytime: After the primary, you can re-register with your original party whenever you choose. It’s that simple.

What you’ll see

Why the Democratic Primary Is the Real Battleground

In Rhode Island, general elections are often not competitive. The real fight is in the Democratic primary, where candidates are chosen long before November.

• Elections Are Decided by Small Margins: Democratic primaries are often determined by just a few hundred votes. That means your vote can make the difference.
• We Have the Numbers: There are over 160,000 gun owners in Rhode Island. If just a fraction disaffiliate, we can sway the outcome.
• Lower Voter Turnout = Greater Impact: Non-presidential election years traditionally have lower voter turnout, which means that motivated voters like you can have an even greater influence. When fewer people vote, every single ballot carries more weight.

This isn’t about becoming a voting Democrat—it’s about using the system strategically to defend your rights.

Common Questions and Concerns

“Why should I vote in the Democratic primary if I’m not a Democrat?”
Because that’s where the fight is happening. If you don’t participate in the primary, you give up your voice in the most critical election for gun rights.

“Will disaffiliating hurt my party?”
No. This is a strategic move to protect gun rights. You can re-register with your party after the primary.

“How do I check if I am unaffiliated?”
Click here Check Your Registration to confirm your status. Many voters mistakenly believe they are unaffiliated when they are not. This is critical

How You Can Help Protect Gun Rights

This strategy works when people like you take action. Here’s what you can do:

• ✅ Check Your Registration: Make sure you’re registered as unaffiliated so you can vote in the Democratic primary.
• 📢 Spread the Word: Talk to friends, family, and fellow gun owners about disaffiliating. Share this message on social media.
• 👥 Host Gatherings: Invite like-minded people to discuss the strategy and its impact.
• 📄 Distribute Information: Hand out flyers and QR codes at gun shops, ranges, and events.
• 🌐 Engage in Local Groups: Bring up the initiative in online forums and community meetings.

Every conversation, every share, and every disaffiliation helps shift the balance.

The Time to Act Is Now

This isn’t about party loyalty. It’s about protecting your rights. Don’t sit on the sidelines, disaffiliate today and make your voice count!

Disaffiliate. Vote in the Democratic primary. Defend your Rights!