In the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3, voters in over three dozen states will decide on around 150 ballot measures covering various issues. Key topics include transgender rights, abortion access, voting regulations, redistricting, and taxation.
Several states will vote on whether to restrict transgender girls and women from participating in all-female sports teams. Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington have measures addressing this issue. Arizona’s referendum aims to broaden its existing law to include private schools and enforce strict bathroom access rules. Nebraska seeks to anchor its ban in the state constitution, making it harder to change. Washington’s proposal would require verification of an athlete’s biological sex, raising concerns about invasiveness. Additionally, Colorado and Missouri voters will consider measures limiting gender-affirming care for minors.
On abortion, Idaho voters will decide on establishing the right to abortion up to fetal viability, while Missouri will vote on a measure that aims to reintroduce a ban on most abortions, reversing a prior decision made by voters. This year’s abortion measure was introduced by the Republican-led legislature.
Voting rights are also a focal point, with California, Colorado, and Nevada proposing requirements for voters to present parts of their government ID when voting by mail. Arizona has a related measure necessitating photo ID for mail-in ballots, though the specifics remain unclear.
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Redistricting efforts, driven by Republican initiatives, will influence future congressional maps. Missouri residents will vote on a map designed to alter the distribution of Democratic and Republican seats, needing voter approval after court intervention. Voters in Maryland will consider an amendment to help lawmakers redraw congressional districts, potentially affecting the balance of power.
A noteworthy proposal in California, Proposition 40, seeks to implement a first-of-its-kind billionaire tax on the state’s wealthy residents. While popular among some, it has created divisions within the Democratic Party, including opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom. Montana voters will also consider a measure to limit corporate spending in elections, challenging the Citizens United ruling from 2010.
In Alaska, voters will decide whether to maintain the “ranked-choice” election system, which requires voters to rank candidates and reallocates votes to ensure the candidate with the most support wins. This system has gained attention due to a competitive Senate race. Lastly, a measure in Alabama would mandate schools to play the national anthem weekly.
With information from Reuters
