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City of Milton

Advisory Vote No. 1
Sale, Possession, and Discharge of Consumer Fireworks Within the City of Milton

The Milton City Council is calling for an advisory election to determine whether the sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks should be prohibited within the city limits of Milton. The prohibition of the sale, possession or discharge of consumer fireworks would not affect properly licensed and permitted public displays of fireworks.

Should the sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks be made illegal within the city limits of the city of Milton?

Yes

No


Under Milton Municipal Code Chapter 8.04, the City of Milton currently allows the sale, purchase, and use of consumer fireworks within its city limits. This ballot proposition is a non-binding advisory vote that allows residents to inform the Milton City Council whether they are for or against prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of consumer fireworks within the City of Milton. A “Yes” vote means the voter is in favor of prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of consumer fireworks within the City of Milton. A “No” vote means the voter is in favor of continuing to allow the sale, purchase, and use of consumer fireworks within the City of Milton as laid out in Milton Municipal Code Chapter 8.04. The outcome of this advisory vote will provide input to the Milton City Council in its decision-making process to evaluate whether to modify the City’s existing law, which currently allows the sale, purchase, and use of consumer fireworks in the city limits of City of Milton. 

Yes to banning fireworks.

The sound of bombs and guns is traumatic for many neighbors, including veterans. The bangs, booms, and whistles of fireworks cause anxiety for our pets and wildlife. The barrage of noise disrupts life for working people, ill people, babies and children, and elderly people. Injuries, fires, pollution, and litter are all part of fireworks.

We can show compassion for those impacted by war or violence. We care about all living creatures and do not wish to cause suffering. We want our neighbors to enjoy the peace of our city without losing sleep. We do not need to risk tragedy and poison our environment. A clear rule helps our police protect us by establishing a standard that is fair, consistent, and enforceable.

We can celebrate the freedom of a country that allows expression and individual rights while we respect one another enough to refrain from causing harm.

Kristi Ceder, neighborsforpeacefulholidays@gmail.com

Stand up for freedom, tradition, and our community—vote No on the proposed fireworks ban within Milton city limits. Let’s send a clear message to our city leaders: we won’t let a blanket ban extinguish our right to celebrate the 4th of July, America’s Independence Day, with the joy and brilliance of fireworks. President John Adams envisioned this holiday ablaze with “pomp and parade… bonfires and illuminations” across the nation—a tradition we’ve cherished since our founding. Will we let Milton snuff out this historic celebration?

Fireworks do more than celebrate our independence—they strengthen Milton. Local nonprofits depend on firework sales to fund vital programs, boosting our economy and community spirit. These aren’t dangerous aerial displays, which are already illegal and available just outside city limits, but safe, family-friendly options that make our celebrations memorable.

Milton’s current law— “If it goes up, or blows up, it’s illegal”—has never been enforced, with zero tickets issued. Before adding harsher restrictions, let’s enforce the rules we already have. A total ban on safe and sane fireworks would rob families and children of joyful traditions, dimming our community’s spirit. Vote No to protect our heritage, support our nonprofits, and keep Milton vibrant!

Bruce White, Ronald Berger, Daniel Hull, bruce@friendsofbruce.us

Traditions that matter are neighborly and respectful relationships in a community that cares for its members.  Vibrant joy is wonderful until it causes harm. Our Constitution and laws are meant to protect us from harm, not allow us to inflict it.

Law-abiding people try to follow the law. The current fireworks restriction is difficult to enforce and too cute to take seriously.  We need to be clear that Milton is a no-fireworks city.

Kristi Ceder, neighborsforpeacefulholidays@gmail.com

Thousands of Milton citizens joyfully celebrate Independence Day with fireworks annually, upholding a patriotic tradition. In 2024, only about 14,700 ER-treated injuries occurred nationwide (<0.005% of the U.S. population), mostly preventable through education.

Fireworks’ brief noise may disturb veterans, pets, and wildlife, and cause temporary air pollution and litter. These manageable impacts can be addressed by enforcing existing laws, promoting safe, low-noise options, and guiding pet owners on calming techniques. Preserve our heritage—vote No!

Bruce White, Ronald Berger, Daniel Hull, bruce@friendsofbruce.us

This measure is advisory only; there is no validation requirement.

For questions about this measure, contact: Trisha Summers, City Clerk, (253) 517-2705, tsummers@cityofmilton.net 

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