While Proposition 1, the abortion initiative, is the headline item for most Idaho voters this November, there’s another ballot question worth noting. It deals directly with firearms, and in our view, the Republican‑led legislature missed a major opportunity to send a clear message to Idaho’s anti‑gun activists and the state’s growing liberal contingent.
On the ballot, voters will be asked to choose what they believe Idaho’s official state firearm should be.
It’s important to understand that this is only an advisory question. The results don’t legally bind the legislature, but there’s little reason to think lawmakers won’t adopt whichever firearm voters select.
Rep. Jason Monks (R‑Meridian), who sponsored the question, said the goal was to boost turnout in a non‑presidential election year, a time when voter participation typically drops. He’s right about turnout trends. But we disagree with the idea that the firearms chosen will meaningfully drive more gun owners to the polls.
The firearms listed are iconic and respected, but none of them are the kind of lightning‑rod choices that motivate political engagement. Here’s what voters will see:
- Winchester Model 1894 (.30‑30)
- Winchester Model 1873 “Gun that Won the West” (.44‑40)
- 1873 Colt Single Action Army “Peacemaker” (.45 Colt)
- M1 Garand (.30‑06)
- Colt M1911 (.45 ACP)
- Remington Model 700 (.30‑06)
These are all great firearms with strong historical significance. But they aren’t going to push large numbers of gun owners to the polls.
If legislators truly wanted to energize voters and send a message, the obvious choice would have been a modern rifle like the AR‑15. If the goal is to make Idaho’s stance unmistakable, pick a firearm the anti‑gun left absolutely despises. Pick a firearm that makes it clear Idaho isn’t interested in Moms Demand Action’s crusade against the Second Amendment.
To be clear, we’ve heard solid arguments for each of the firearms on the ballot, and we don’t have a specific recommendation for gun owners. But gun owners do need to pay attention to Proposition 1.
If Prop 1, crafted and funded by the far left, passes, it signals to liberal activists that Idaho is vulnerable. And once that door is cracked open, it won’t be long before they try a gun‑control ballot initiative next.
Make your voices heard this November.