It appears both gun control and gun rights activists in Washington could have a say at the ballot box on whether the so-called “gun show loophole” that allows private dealers to sell guns without conducting background checks should be closed.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that backers of Initiative 594, which would extend the background checks required for commercial dealers to sales online and at gun shows, have amassed 345,000 signatures to get it on the ballot. It needs 246,372 valid ones to be placed on the ballot.
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At the same time, gun rights groups are pushing an initiative that would bar government agencies from requiring background checks unless there is a uniform national standard; those sponsors have reportedly submitted more than enough to get that initiative on November’s ballot.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Second Amendment & Gun Control
The Secretary of State’s office will start checking signatures on Jan. 10. State lawmakers can enact one or both into law, put an amended item on the ballot, or send them straight to the voters.
SPECIAL COVERAGE: Second Amendment & Gun Control
