Initiative On Gun Checks Losing Popularity

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A new poll shows that a ballot initiative that would expand background checks requirements to all firearm sales and transfers in the state has lost some ground in the past few months, but still has a lead over another measure that would prevent any such expansion.

The poll released Monday by independent pollster Stuart Elway found that both measures had dipped since his last poll in July. Elway's latest survey found that 60 percent of voters were inclined to vote for Initiative 594, which is seeking universal background checks. That's down from the 70 percent in July, and 72 percent from an April survey.

The poll also found that 39 percent were inclined to vote for Initiative 591, which would prevent Washington state from adopting background-check laws stricter than the national standard, which requires checks for sales by licensed dealers but not for purchases from private sellers. Previous surveys showed 46 percent and 55 percent support for that measure.