I recently read two letters published in The Spokesman-Review claiming Initiative 594 is “alarming.” The only thing that’s alarming is the misinformation the letter writers spread, and that they don’t think going through a quick background check is worth saving lives.

I-594 is the common-sense initiative to close the background check loophole that allows dangerous criminals to buy a gun at a gun show or from a stranger online without a background check.

Claiming background checks aren’t worth it because criminals will still break laws is like advocating we should get rid of speed limits because people still speed. Additionally, evidence proves background checks reduce crime.

Since 1998, background checks have blocked more than 40,000 gun sales to prohibited purchasers in Washington. Additionally, in states with background checks on all handgun sales, there are 38 percent fewer women shot to death by their intimate partners and 39 percent fewer police officers slain with handguns.

I-594 is endorsed by parents, teachers, faith leaders, doctors, gun owners, veterans, Republicans, and current and former law enforcement, including the former executive director of the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS). Please join them, and me, in voting yes on I-594.

Renee Rinderknecht

Colbert