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Everytown, Idaho Moms Release New Poll: More Than 80 Percent of Idahoans Support Current Permitting System

3.31.2015

Boise, ID – Everytown for Gun Safety and the Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released a poll today revealing that an overwhelming majority of Idahoans support a concealed carry permitting system and are opposed to dismantling basic safety measures that would do away with the state’s existing permit process. The poll comes as Idaho legislators are poised to vote on House Bill 301, which would erode existing protections aimed at preventing dangerous people from carrying loaded, hidden weapons in public places.

The poll, which surveyed 718 Idaho voters and was conducted by SurveyUSA for Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, found that more than 80 percent of Idahoans strongly support the current permitting process and believe permit holders should undergo certain training requirements. The poll also found that 57 percent of Idahoans strongly support training requirements, with another 25 percent indicating general support for the requirements. The poll further found that nearly half (49 percent) of Idaho voters would be more likely to vote against a candidate who supported permitless carry.

HB 301 would allow Idaho residents in more than 90 percent of the state to carry hidden, loaded weapons without being subject to any safety check or training. It would also continue an exemption for elected officials across the entire state—meaning the legislators who wrote and voted on the legislation would put themselves above the law and not subject to the same rules as the citizens of Idaho.

“It’s clear from this polling that Idahoans want to retain the common-sense standards already in place that help ensure dangerous people aren’t able to carry concealed, loaded guns in public,” said Leslie Madsen-Brooks, a volunteer with Idaho’s chapter of Moms Demand Action. “It would be deeply disappointing if our elected leaders disregarded the concerns of Idaho voters and passed a bill that increases the risk of a gun getting into dangerous hands.”

Other states have considered permitless carry this year, but even in other states with high gun ownership like South Dakota, West Virginia and Montana, this type of legislation was defeated or vetoed.