SEATTLE, WA – Today, Washington voters passed Initiative 1639, the most comprehensive gun violence prevention measure ever proposed in Washington state. Initiative 1639 is the only gun violence prevention measure on the ballot anywhere in the country this November.

“Tonight, Washington state made history by passing the most comprehensive gun violence prevention measure in state history and the only gun safety measure on the ballot anywhere in the country,” said Stephen Paolini, Yes On 1639 Campaign Manager. “Because of the tireless effort of our volunteers across the state, and thanks to the millions of voters who supported us on the ballot, Washington schools and communities will be safer, guns will be less likely to fall into the wrong hands, and lives will be saved.”

“Passing Initiative 1639 is not just a victory for me or for this campaign; it is a victory for every Washingtonian and for everyone who has been impacted by gun violence,” said Paul Kramer, Citizen Sponsor of Initiative 1639. “I am so proud to have been a part of this campaign because I know that Initiative 1639 will save lives in our state. It will help prevent other families from experiencing the same pain and tragedy from gun violence that mine did.”

“I cannot overstate the importance of this victory,” said Renee Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “Initiative 1639 was the only gun violence prevention measure on the ballot anywhere in the country this year and we won. It is also the most comprehensive gun violence prevention measure ever proposed in our state and the third gun safety initiative voters have approved in the last four years. This victory should send the message to Olympia and to the other Washington that voters are demanding action. It is our elected officials’ turn to step up and deliver the comprehensive gun responsibility legislation our state and country desperately need.”

Initiative 1639 is the third gun violence prevention ballot measure to pass in Washington state since 2014. It follows Initiative 594, which expanded background checks for firearm purchases and passed with 59 percent of the vote in 2014, and Initiative 1491, which established Extreme Risk Protection Orders in the state and passed with 69 percent of the vote in 2016.