The press conference following the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis concluded with a reporter asking, “How can the public help?”

The question hung in the air, unanswered. But there is something the public can do to help: Vote “Yes” on Question 2 this November so Maine can enact an Extreme Risk Protection Order law.

Before I retired from teaching, worry for my students, my colleagues and myself skyrocketed after news of such horrific events. That worry continues for everyone in our communities — in places of worship, at schools, bowling alleys, parking lots.

I see my granddaughter’s smile each day while waiting for the school bus — and worry how that might be forever changed if we don’t have more common-sense gun safety measures to help prevent the senseless loss of precious lives.

Please, let’s not wait for yet another tragedy. We can all help: Vote “Yes” on Question 2.

Grace Leavitt
Raymond