Voters across 41 states will decide on nearly 150 ballot measures next week that focus on various policy issues such as abortion rights, marijuana regulations, voting procedures, economic issues, and immigration laws. Constitutional amendments related to abortion rights have garnered the most attention, with 10 states, including battleground states like Arizona and Nevada, set to decide on expanding or protecting abortion access.
Voting and elections are also major themes with 39 ballot measures related to democracy and voting procedures, including efforts to restrict or expand voting access. Some states are considering measures to clarify that only American citizens can vote, while others are proposing voter identification requirements for in-person voting.
Marijuana legalization is on the ballot in four states, with Florida considering legalizing recreational use and Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota deciding on legalizing medical marijuana.
Arizona is the only state with an immigration-related measure regarding increased use of a federal database for employment eligibility and allowing state and local law enforcement to detain and deport undocumented border crossers.
Several states will also allow voters to decide on economic and crime-related proposals, such as raising the minimum wage in California, revising minimum wage rules for tipped workers in Arizona, and raising criminal penalties for drug-related crimes in California.
In addition, other states will decide on issues related to open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and property tax revenue caps. Overall, the 2024 election year is shaping up to be significant for voters across the country, with citizens directly deciding on crucial policy matters that will impact their states’ future.
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