Next week, voters around the country will be faced with nearly 150 ballot measures that cover a wide range of policy issues. While constitutional amendments related to abortion rights have garnered national attention, there are also important decisions to be made on topics such as marijuana regulations, voting procedures, economic issues, and immigration laws. The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center has identified major trends in the 2024 ballot measures as reproductive freedom, democracy, and economic justice.
In total, there are 147 ballot measures in 41 states, covering a variety of topics like abortion, voting and elections, marijuana, immigration, economy, and crime. Abortion-related measures will be on the ballot in 10 states, with protections for abortion rights until fetal viability and restrictions on second and third trimester abortions being major points of focus.
In terms of voting and elections, 39 ballot measures are related to democracy, elections, and voting procedures. Some seek to tighten voting restrictions, while others aim to broaden access including requiring identification when voting in person.
Nearly half of the states in the country have already legalized marijuana, and four more states will be deciding on recreational or medical marijuana use. Only Arizona has an immigration-related measure on the ballot, which has sparked controversy due to its proposal to increase the use of a federal database for employment eligibility checks.
Economic issues and crime will also be addressed on the ballot with proposals ranging from raising the minimum wage to capping property tax revenues for local districts. Voters in various states will decide on these issues that could have a significant impact on their states’ futures.
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