New Washington State Poll Shows Strong Support for Sensible Gun Laws

Approval for Universal Background Checks at 87 Percent, Including 74 Percent NRA Households

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A poll of 600 registered Washington state voters conducted the first week of January shows exceptionally strong support for a wide array of sensible gun law reforms. The research was conducted by Alison Peters Consulting of Woodinville, Wash., whose clients include both democratic and republican legislators. The representative survey included both landline and cellphones and has a 95 percent confidence level with an error margin of just four percent.

“This new research shows strong public demand for stronger gun control measures across the state and even in NRA households, in some cases”

A proposed ban on semi-automatic assault rifles was supported by more than a two-to-one margin of state voters, including 54 percent of the 111 voters tallied in Eastern Washington. Overall, the ban was supported by 66 percent of state voters including 54 percent “strong” support, with 30 percent against. The poll also found that 43 percent of voters incorrectly believe Washington state has already banned military-style assault weapons.

A proposal to institute background checks at gun shows, the so-called gun show loophole, received a stunning 87 percent statewide support, including 76 percent “strong” support. The poll also uncovered widespread support for background checks from eastside King County voters (93 percent), Eastern Washington residents (78 percent) and NRA member households (74 percent support compared to 23 percent against).

The poll also surveyed voters’ attitudes on proposed legislation to significantly toughen penalties for underage possession of firearms. Again, the poll found that 57 percent of voters wrongly believe that there are mandatory penalties for juvenile offenders. When proposed, state voters supported tougher penalties starting with the first offense by a margin of more than three-to-one (68 percent support to 19 percent against). This bill has bi-partisan support in the legislature and will be introduced in this session by Rep. Chris Hurst and Sen. Adam Kline.

“This new research shows strong public demand for stronger gun control measures across the state and even in NRA households, in some cases,” said Ralph Fascitelli, CeaseFire board president.

For 30 years, Washington CeaseFire has worked to reduce gun violence in Washington state via a combination approach that includes communication, education and advocacy. More information is available at its website at www.washingtonceasefire.org.