New Poll On Background Check Initiative On Ballot Tuesday

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A new poll shows voters support a ballot measure requiring universal background checks on gun sales and transfers in Washington state. But that same survey shows that undecided voters could swing the outcome of a rival gun initiative that would prevent any expansion beyond the national standard.

The KCTS 9 Washington Poll, released late Wednesday night, shows that about 61 percent of voters surveyed support Initiative 594, which is seeking to expand the state's current background check laws to include private transactions. Another 3 percent are undecided but leaning toward voting yes. The poll found that 31 percent oppose I-594, with 3 percent undecided.

When asked about Initiative 591, which prohibits a requirement beyond the national standard, 42 percent are certain or likely to support that measure — with another 4 percent undecided but leaning toward yes — while 43 percent oppose it, and 9 percent are undecided.