It would probably be impossible to have an election that didn’t have at least one controversial initiative on the ballot to help boost turn out. And this year’s hot topic: guns.

There are two competing gun measures. One, Initiative 594, would expand background checks to include private firearms transfers between individuals, including gun shows. Now, only licensed dealers such as retail stores have that requirement. The intention is to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and others who shouldn’t have them. There are several exemptions, including antique guns, gifts between family members and loans at shooting ranges. The gun rights supporters favor the competing initiative, 591, which is designed to undermine I-594 and negate any change.

The initiatives are not complex but opponents of I-594, led by gun rights supporters, have tried to cloud the issue and make it seem more intrusive than it really is.

Supporters of I-594 feel that there is a hole in the background check system that could allow individuals who should not have guns, or were possibly denied at a licensed firearm dealer, to get around the system by buying at a gun show or in other ways that are not reviewed by authorities.

A recent article in the  Seattle Times noted that “in 2013 nearly 30 percent of the 3,919 background check denials in the state were from people trying to buy handguns.” This is a significant increase since 2004 when only 3 percent were for handguns. The same article also published the top five reasons individuals are denied buying a gun based on background checks:

1. Convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison — 1,526

2. Convicted of certain crimes or protectionno contact orders related to domestic violence — 1,433

3. Fugitive from justice — 374

4. Convicted of certain drug offenses — 243

5. Committed for mental health issues — 212

Does that read like a list of people that should be allowed to obtain a gun? Almost 4,000 people who shouldn’t have a gun tried to get one. How many of them then went to gun shows after they were denied?

And last year four people in our community were murdered at the Pinewood apartments in what started out as a domestic violence issue. Look at number two on the list again.

Recently the major parties announced their positions. The state Democratic Party supports I-594 and the state Republican Party supports I-591

At a recent debate, legislative candidates in the 30th District were asked which initiative they supported.

Supporting I-594, were incumbent House member Roger Freeman (D), House candidate Greg Baruso (D), Senate candidate Shari Song (D) and incumbent House member Linda Kochmar (R).

Supporting I-591, were House candidate Jack Dovey (R), who is running against Freeman, and Kochmar.

Two oddities were noted by many in attendance. Kochmar voted for both. However, she later clarified that she is opposed to I-594 and in favor of I-591.

Also, Mark Miloscia who is running against Song for the Senate did not vote. His campaign says he will study the issue.

They also pointed out that the issue was not in front of the Legislature at this time. That is correct, however, gun issues are introduced almost every session and knowing what Miloscia and the other candidates are likely to support might help constituents make up their minds about who to vote for.

What is likely the real issue is Miloscia came out of the primary with a big lead and has been trying to appeal to both Democrats and Republicans and probably doesn’t want to take a stand on what might offend either group of voters.

Real leadership means taking that risk.

Let’s hope Miloscia takes a position prior to election day.

Federal Way resident Bob Roegner is a former mayor of Auburn. Contact him at bjroegner@comcast.net.