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A new front for gun background checks: the ballot

After struggling to sway both state and federal lawmakers, proponents of expanding background checks for gun sales are now exploring whether they will have more success by taking the issue directly to voters.

While advocates generally prefer that new gun laws get approval through the legislative process, they are also concerned about how much sway the National Rifle Association has with lawmakers.

Washington state Rep. Jamie Pedersen had sponsored unsuccessful legislation on background checks at the state level. He says a winning ballot initiative would make a statement with broad implications.

On Monday, proponents of universal background checks in Washington will announce their plan to launch a statewide initiative campaign. That's according to a person involved in the initiative planning who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to pre-empt the official announcement.

 

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