Voices from the Street: Palisadian-Post asked people in The Village whether they’ll vote yes on Prop. 63, creating new restrictions on buying guns and ammunition.

John Slagboom

Yes

I would vote yes on that. As much as I love the ability to have as much freedom as possible, I really think that when it comes to freedoms that can directly impact—and end—life, that should be more tightly controlled. Contrast that against Prop. 64 [to legalize marijuana]: sure that might have some negative impacts, but they’re not as direct as someone going to a shop, buying the ammunition and using that for evil.

Melinda Ricker

Yes

In terms of trying to keep society safer by doing more background checks, I support that. I think I’ll vote for it. It’s just that the problem of violence in general—in terms of trying to take control of that and deal with it—it’s going to take so much more. It’s a situation where the members of society need to learn to look out for each other a lot better. It goes down to the heart of society.

Rafe Furst

Yes

I’m strongly in favor of stricter gun control laws, even if it’s at the expense of Second Amendment rights. In today’s modern society—all in all, if it were up to a vote—I would probably vote to repeal the Second Amendment, because I don’t think it serves its purpose any longer in our society. The costs are outweighing the benefits of allowing private citizens to have firearms.

Renee Farrer

Undecided

I think there definitely needs to be more control over who can acquire guns. And I know that they have guidelines for that now. To me more of the issue is mental health. I just think people aren’t getting the right care, or it’s not getting diagnosed or they’re not getting the right meds. I’m just not a huge proponent either way. I’m not a huge gun lover or hunter, but if I were, I would want to have that right to bear arms.

Jay Foster

Undecided

I see the merits of each side of the issue. I just don’t know whether saying yes to another proposition is what’s really going to make our life better. I’m kind of unhappy about the fact that the people we elect are essentially punting the ball back to us and saying, “we don’t know what to do on 24 different issues.” I think that the initiative process is being overly used. I think that the legislature should take responsibility.