Idaho voters chose a state gun in a nonbinding vote

Idaho’s state gun vote

Idaho voters chose the Winchester Model 1873 from six firearms in a nonbinding vote on an official state gun. The rifle, commonly associated with the American West, received roughly 31% of the vote.

The Winchester Model 1894 hunting rifle placed second, followed by the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The choices also included a rifle used by American soldiers during World War II.

The question was introduced as part of plans marking the United States’ 250th anniversary and reflecting Idaho’s gun-owning culture. During legislative discussion, Republican state Sen. Mark Harris compared the difficulty of choosing among the firearms to selecting a favorite child.

The result does not automatically establish the Winchester Model 1873 as Idaho’s official gun. Because the vote was advisory, state lawmakers retain authority over whether to adopt the selection.

Relationship recognition and other questions

West Hollywood, California, considered a different kind of legal designation. Its City Council voted 5-0 on Nov. 2 to recognize relationships involving three or more consenting adults.

The ordinance allows people in polyamorous relationships, including groups of three or four adults, to register their relationships with the city. That action came from the City Council rather than a statewide public vote.

Other questions put before voters around the country addressed gas stoves, grocery taxes and prayer in classrooms. These measures stood apart from the usual choices involving candidates for public office and control of legislative bodies.

The Idaho result remains one step in a lawmaking process, not a final designation. The US Sun reported the firearm rankings and the West Hollywood council vote.