Entering the final week of the Yes On 594 campaign, virtually every major newspaper editorial board across Washington State has endorsed Initiative 594, the common-sense initiative to reduce crime and save lives. These same papers have also opposed Initiative 591, which would block Initiative 594 and weaken Washington’s existing gun laws.

The newspapers endorsing Initiative 594 and opposing Initiative 591 reflect voices from every corner of the state, from the Puget Sound to Eastern Washington to Southwest Washington.

With seven days left to go before votes are counted, the choice is clear for Washington voters: to close the background check loophole, vote Yes on 594 and No on 591.

The Seattle Times: “Voters should approve Initiative 594, which would require background checks on all gun sales … The goal is simple: Protect Washington residents from those the law and sad experiences have demonstrated should not have access to firearms — those with felony convictions, sex offenders, domestic abusers and those with serious mental illnesses … Vote yes on I-594. Vote no on I-591.”

The Spokesman-Review: “Don’t be taken in. Vote yes on I-594 and no on I-591. It’s the only combination of votes that will expand background checks and help deter the sale of weapons to people who, by law, should not have them.”

The Olympian: “Given state lawmakers’ inability to enact sensible gun laws, even after the Sandy Hook tragedy, voters cannot expect strong legislative leadership. It’s time to take matters into our own hands. Stand up and shout yes on I-594, and an emphatic no on I-591.”

The Wenatchee World: “Background checks are a sensible precaution when selling firearms. They are no cure for gun violence and mayhem, and no threat to the rights of legitimate gun owners, but it is possible they might keep some guns out of unwanted hands, namely away from convicted criminals and people with a certified mental illness … Vote no on I-591. Vote yes on I-594.”

The News Tribune: “We can’t think of one good reason not to screen gun-seekers for criminal records and severe mental illnesses … I-594 does nothing more than extend the checks beyond licensed dealers to private sellers now operating outside the system … Again, vote for I-594 — and against I-591 — if you believe certifiably dangerous people shouldn’t buy guns.”

The Columbian: “Washington voters in next month’s election will consider competing, incompatible gun-control measures that undoubtedly will lead to confusion. We’ll try to keep it simple: Vote ‘yes’ on Initiative 594; vote ‘no’ on I-591.”

The Herald of Everett: “While not a panacea to gun violence in Washington, I-594 will limit the number of wife beaters, felons and people with serious mental illness from obtaining a gun. That may not align with the personal interests of many felons and domestic abusers, mind you, but it is in the public interest. Washingtonians should vote for I-594 … Yes to I-594, no to I-591.”

The Stranger: “Initiative 594 closes loopholes in background check laws so that people who buy guns through Craigslist and Facebook, or in garages, or at gun shows are required to undergo a quick background check, just like they would at a licensed store — thus making it harder for any ol’ criminal or crazy person to get their hands on a firearm … Vote yes on I-594 … Vote no on I-591.”