Gun laws are on the midterm ballot in those states

(NEXSTAR) — After several mass shootings this year and in years past, gun laws remain a key issue for many voters heading into this year’s midterm elections. While federal lawmakers passed Bipartisan Safe Communities Act in June, the legislation still leaves many gaps that states must fill in with their own rules — or not.

Overall, gun legislation will not be on the ballot in most states in 2022. At least directly. For example, in Texas, which earlier this year saw the third-deadliest school shooting in history, voters will decide between incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and his Democratic challenger, Beth O’Rourke. Abbott has been criticized for his stance on gun ownership — including his signature unauthorized transfer into law — and O’Rourke promised to repeal the law if he won.

While the gun decisions will be less obvious to most voters, two specific states will have the choice right on the ballot.

Iowa

If passed, Iowa Amendment 1known as Amendment on the right to keep and bear arms, would amend the Iowa constitution to include a section expressly stating that “any and all restrictions” on gun ownership would be “subject to strict review” by the courts. The amendment is sponsored by Republican state Rep. Stephen Holt, who (in addition to his supporters) argues that enshrining the right to keep and bear arms — which Iowa’s constitution does not currently provide — will protect gun owners and is consistent with the Second Amendment. to the US Constitution.

meanwhile, Iowan opponents argue that the amendment’s “strict control” language could insulate future legislation (and trigger the reversal of previous court decisions) regulating gun ownership. In addition, “strict scrutiny” dictates how courts should do their jobs, detractors argue.

October survey conducted Des Moines Register showed that 58% of likely voters said they would vote “yes” to adding the section to the state constitution.

Oregon

Initiative 17, known as the Gun Violence Reduction Act, requires prospective gun buyers to apply for permits before obtaining them. The initiative also bans 10-round ammunition magazines and requires police to maintain a database of all permits and firearms.

Nexstar Company COINElocated in Portland, according to the interfaith nonprofit Raise every voice Oregon worked to get the initiative on the November ballot, helping it gather more than 112,000 signatures for approval.

August non-partisan survey Pew Research Center found that gun policy was the second most important issue to voters polled in the midterm elections. About 62% of registered voters said gun policy lags behind economic policy (77%) in November.

Election day is Tuesday, November 8.