Voters Across the Country to Decide on 147 Ballot Measures in November Election
As the 2024 election approaches, voters in 41 states will have the opportunity to weigh in on nearly 150 ballot measures that will shape the future of various policy issues in their states. Constitutional amendments related to abortion rights have garnered significant national attention, but other measures will also put decisions about marijuana regulations, voting procedures, economic issues, and immigration laws directly in the hands of voters.
According to the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, 147 ballot measures will be on the November ballot, with 77 referred to the ballot by state lawmakers and 57 initiated by citizens. The remaining measures are bond proposals, advisory questions, and constitutional convention questions.
Abortion rights are a major issue in this year’s election, with constitutional amendments to expand or protect access to abortion on the ballot in 10 states, including Arizona, Nevada, Montana, and Florida. In Arizona, Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota, proposed amendments would effectively protect abortion rights until fetal viability, while in Maryland, Montana, Nevada, and New York, the proposals aim to formally enshrine existing abortion rights.
Voting and elections are also a key issue, with 39 ballot measures related to democracy, elections, and voting procedures on the November ballot. Some measures seek to create or tighten voting restrictions, while others aim to broaden access. For example, eight states will have constitutional amendments that make it clear only American citizens can vote in elections.
Marijuana regulations are also up for a vote, with four states – Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota – deciding whether to legalize its use and sale. Arizona is the only state with an immigration-related measure on the ballot, which would increase the use of a federal database to check employment eligibility and give state and local law enforcement agencies the authority to detain and deport undocumented border crossers.
Other ballot measures will address economic issues, such as minimum wage increases in California, Alaska, and Missouri, as well as property tax caps in Colorado. Voters in Washington state will also decide whether state employees may opt out of coverage of various insurance programs.
The stakes are high for these ballot measures, with many having the potential to shape the future of policy issues in their respective states. As the November election approaches, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on these measures and shape the direction of their states.
