Voters in three states – Nevada, California and Washington – approved ballot measures tied to background checks in the private sale of firearms.
In California, voters passed Proposition 63, which “requires background check and Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition” and “prohibits possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines.”
The proposition also “establishes procedures for enforcing laws prohibiting firearm possession by specified persons” and “requires Department of Justice’s participation in federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System,” per the Official California Voter Information Guide.
The ballot measure, which passed with 63 percent of the vote, amends a law passed by state legislators earlier this year.
In the state of Washington measure I-1491, which prevents access to firearms for “extreme risk” orders if a person is determined to be a danger to themselves or others, won 71 percent to 29 percent. The legislation would allow families of people in crisis to ask a judge to issue extreme-risk protection orders that would temporarily prevent their loved ones from having access to firearms.
With 71 percent voting in favor of the measure, the state became the second after California to allow family members and police to petition a judge to take guns from a person considered a threat. Connecticut, Indiana and Texas have similar laws, but only police can ask a judge for an order.
In Nevada, a background check initiative passed by slightly more than one percent of the vote. It now requires background checks on buyers who purchase firearms online or through private sellers. It expands a law that required checks at licensed gun shops.
In Maine, voters rejected a ballot item to expand gun-purchase background checks with what appeared to be a slight majority vote.
President-elect Donald Trump mounted a strong defense of the Second Amendment in his campaign while receiving the NRA’s endorsement and significant financial support.
