Today, my wife Gabby Giffords and I are in Olympia, Washington. We just got done testifying before the state legislature on behalf of Initiative 594, which would establish universal background checks in Washington State.

As you probably know, The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility has collected over 345,000 signatures in support of the initiative, which means the legislature is required to either vote on the bill or — as is expected — allow voters to decide this fall.

Putting universal background checks on the ballot means we’ll be campaigning in Washington from now through November. It’s important that we kick off the debate with a strong show of support.

Tell Washington legislators you stand with the 80% of Washington voters who want universal background checks. Click here to urge them to support I-594.


With Congress refusing to act nationally, Gabby and I are taking the fight to the states to enact responsible gun laws wherever possible.

The initiative in Washington is not only a chance to curb violence here. It’s also a critical opportunity to show Congress and legislators around the country that support for background checks is a winning issue.

Please take a moment to join Gabby and me by telling your legislators that you want them to support I-594.

All the best,

Mark Kelly
Americans for Responsible Solutions