Washington State Voters Pass Initiative 594, Make Clear Choice to Close the Background Check Loophole in Nation’s Only Vote on Gun Issues

Voters Rejected Gun Lobby’s Campaign to Weaken State’s Gun Laws

(Seattle, Wash.) – Tonight, the people of Washington closed their state’s background check loophole in the nation’s only up-or-down vote on gun laws by voting Yes on Initiative 594 and defeating Initiative 591.

The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility declared victory based upon electoral results reported by the Washington Secretary of State. After initial results, 60% of voters voted Yes on 594, including 74% in King County. With 55% also rejecting Initiative 591, voters have made a clear choice in favor of responsible gun laws that reduce crime and save lives, and against a gun lobby determined to prevent any action to reduce gun violence.

“The people of Washington have delivered an historic and enormous victory for common-sense gun laws that will reverberate across our country,” said Zach Silk, campaign manager for the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “By voting Yes On 594 and No on 591, Washington has demonstrated that when a coalition of everyday citizens has the resources, support, and energy necessary to take on the gun lobby, they can win. Washington will serve as an example for Americans in states across our country that they can stand up for common-sense values of gun responsibility and win.”

“I want to thank everyone who voted Yes On 594 and closed Washington’s background check loophole. I’m so proud of the incredible movement of Washingtonians, from every county in our state and every walk of life, who have made this enormous victory possible,” said Cheryl Stumbo, citizen-sponsor of Initiative 594. “The gun lobby fought us every step of the way, from the Legislature in Olympia to the ballot box, and there’s much work left to do to reduce gun violence in Washington. But tonight, Washington has shown the nation that the gun lobby can no longer silence the will of the people. When the people have a choice, they will choose responsible gun laws.”