A November ballot initiative to expand the state’s law on background checks on gun sales continues to enjoy broad support among voters while a competing measure is losing ground among the electorate.
An Elway Poll released today found 70 percent of voters back Initiative 594 which would apply background checks to “all firearm sales and transfers, including gun shows and online sales.” Twenty-two percent said they oppose the measure, up from 19 percent in an April survey.
Results released today showed only 46 percent back Initiative 591, a competing measure which would bar the state from enacting a background check law that exceeded federal law. That’s down from 55 percent support in the Elway Poll in April. The latest survey found 42 percent opposed I-591, up from 33 percent in April.
The survey of 506 voters statewide was conducted July 8-11, according to a release from the company.
Results from another question shows it is looking less likely that voters might pass both measures.
In April, half of those who said they want more extensive background checks of gun sales also indicated they would vote for I-591. The latest survey found 40 percent willing to vote for both.
There continues to be a sharp divide among Democrats and Republicans on these measures.
Here’s what Elway found:
Initiative 591:
• 65 percent of Republicans favored
• 55 percent of Democrats opposed
• 45 percent of Independents favored
Initiative 594:
• 59 percent of Republicans favored
• 81 percent of Democrats favored
• 68 percent of independents favored
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