State Supreme Court rejects attempt to keep gun measure off November ballot

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A Washington Supreme Court commissioner has rejected an attempt by gun-rights supporters to keep a gun initiative off the November ballot.

Backers of Initiative 1639 say they've gathered enough signatures to put the measure to voters and plan to turn those signatures in Friday.

The Seattle Times reports that I-1639 would make several changes, including raising the minimum age to buy semi-automatic rifles to 21 and requiring enhanced background checks, training and waiting periods in order to obtain them.

Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation and other parties on Friday sought to invalidate the signatures, contending changes in law weren't clearly marked on the petition.

On Tuesday, Supreme Court Commissioner Michael Johnston dismissed the filing.

The campaign for I-1639, backed by the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, has raised $3 million with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen contributing $1.2 million.