Addressing Gun Control on the Campaign Trail: Part 1 of 2
The discussion on gun control has gained significant attention in recent years, touching on issues of public safety, personal freedoms, and the protection of vulnerable communities. As Democrats, it’s crucial to address this topic thoughtfully to connect with a wide range of voters.
In this two-part series, we’ll break down the specialized terms and concepts related to gun control. We’ll take a look at how gun control is legislated in two distinct states, California and Texas, both with very different political ideologies. Finally, we’ll explore effective talking points and strategies for discussing gun control during a campaign.
Getting Started: Understanding the Basic Terminology of Gun Control
Before we dive in, let’s get familiar with some important terms. Knowing these terms and how they’re used will help you understand some of the more nuanced aspects of gun control policies. It’s also helpful to know where federal law currently stands.
Universal Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks performed for all gun sales, including private ones, to prevent people with criminal records from getting firearms. Why it matters: Background checks keep guns away from those who might harm themselves or others. Federal law requires licensed gun dealers to do these checks, but there’s a loophole for unlicensed dealers at gun shows and for online purchases, though receiving them may vary state-by-state.
Assault Weapons: Firearms designed for rapid fire and combat use, often semi-automatic and equipped with features that enable high-volume rapid fire shooting at large numbers of people in a short period of time. Why it matters: Wounds caused by assault weapons are more severe and lethal than those caused by other firearms, and can injure more people more quickly. They have been used in the seven deadliest mass shootings in the last decade. They’re not banned at the federal level and can be designed for civilian use since the Assault Weapons Ban lapsed in 2004.
High-Capacity Magazines: These hold more rounds than standard magazines, letting guns fire more without reloading. Why it matters: High capacity magazines significantly increase a shooter’s ability to injure and kill large numbers of people quickly because they enable the individual to fire repeatedly without reloading. They were used in all ten of the deadliest mass shootings in the last decade. High capacity ammunition magazines and assault weapons that were formerly banned under the Assault Weapons Ban are now legal under federal law unless banned by state or local law.
Concealed Carry: Carrying a hidden firearm in public spaces. Why it matters: Guns carried in public pose a substantial threat to public safety. A robust body of academic literature shows that when more people carry guns in public, violent crime increases. Concealed carry licenses are issued at the state level, meaning there are no federal regulations. Every state allows some form of concealed carry, 23 require a permit while 27 allow people to carry concealed weapons in public spaces without any permit, background check, or safety training.
Waiting Periods: Designated period of time that must elapse between the gun purchase and the actual transfer of the gun to the buyer. Why it matters: Waiting periods reduce impulsive actions and give time for background checks. They have been shown to cut gun violence by 17%. There’s no federal waiting period.
And, a few more helpful terms to know:
Open Carry: The practice of openly carrying guns in public spaces, visible to others. There are no federal restrictions.
Bump Stocks: An attachment that helps turn a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic one by reducing recoil. Bump stocks are not banned federally.
Red Flag Laws: Legislation allowing the temporary removal of firearms from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others based on credible threats or mental health concerns through a court order. There are no applicable federal laws or regulations pertaining to this, but there have been instances of federal funds going towards the implementation of Red Flag Laws at the state level.
Community Violence Intervention Programs: Holistic approaches addressing the root causes of violence, providing support, intervention, and resources to communities affected by gun violence.
State Differences: California vs. Texas
Now, let’s see how these concepts play out in two different states: California and Texas. All states have the ability to pass legislation to protect residents from gun violence, and–predictably–we see a clear pattern along partisan lines.
California:
Background Checks: All firearm sales, including private sales, require a background check.
Assault Weapons Ban: Prohibits the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms classified as assault weapons.
Waiting Period: A mandatory 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases.
High-Capacity Magazine Ban: Prohibits the sale and possession of magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
Red Flag Law: Allows temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Concealed Carry requires a license from a county sheriff, Open Carry is illegal in almost every part of the state.
Texas:
Background Checks: Required for purchases from licensed firearms dealers, but not for private sales.
Open Carry: Permits the open carry of firearms in public spaces with a permit.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground: Strong self-defense laws allow the use of force, including deadly force, in self-defense.
Concealed Carry: Allows concealed carry of firearms with a permit.
In a nutshell, while California and Texas have different political landscapes, their views on gun control are quite distinct. Texas emphasizes Second Amendment rights and takes a limited approach to gun control laws, while California focuses on public safety and enacts stricter regulations to mitigate gun violence. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective communication about gun control.
Check out Part 2 of this series, where we provide practical advice on discussing gun control while appealing to a broad range of voters.
Is gun control a key aspect of your platform? We should chat. Reach out for a free consultation today.
Written by Colin Scharff and Ashleigh Padilla Goins from the Evinco Strategies Policy Department.