By FOCUS, A Leonine Business
On election day, voters across the U.S. weighed in on 150 ballot measures across 41 states, making decisions on key issues like abortion, drug laws and campaign finance reform. A major trend emerged on abortion rights, with seven out of 10 abortion protection measures passing. Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York approved measures protecting or expanding abortion rights. However, abortion protection measures failed in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota. Nebraska had two abortion measures: one to protect abortion access and another to enshrine the state’s current 12-week ban in its constitution. The protective measure failed, while the prohibitive measure passed with 55 percent of the vote.
Drug legalization was also on the ballot in several states, but with mixed outcomes. Voters in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota rejected measures that would have legalized recreational marijuana. Nebraska, however, approved medical marijuana, marking a notable shift in the state after several attempts to legalize medical cannabis. In Massachusetts, voters turned down a measure to legalize certain psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms.
Missouri voters approved a measure increasing the state’s minimum wage from $12.30 to $15 per hour and guaranteeing paid sick leave for employees. Business groups are promising to challenge the increase, arguing it violates Missouri’s single-subject rule for ballot measures. Nebraska also passed a measure mandating that employers provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave.
Voters in Nevada approved a new law requiring photo identification at the polls, a measure that supporters say will bolster election security. Meanwhile, Maine adopted a $5,000 cap on contributions to super PACs, aiming to limit the influence of big money in politics. The underlying goal of the initiative is to provoke a lawsuit to get the Supreme Court to rule on super PAC contributions.
This year’s ballot results highlight a diverse range of priorities among voters. While progressive wins on abortion rights and workers’ protections indicate broad public support for these issues, the rejection of recreational marijuana and psychedelic legalization measures demonstrates a continued divide on drug policy. As these new laws take effect, some may face legal challenges, particularly in Missouri, where business groups intend to fight the minimum wage increase. Maine will also likely see legal challenges to its new cap on super PAC contributions, an intended consequence of the ballot measure. FOCUS will continue to monitor issues such as abortion, cannabis, election laws and worker benefits. See our 2024 Ballot Measures tracking document for full coverage of this year’s 150 ballot initiatives.
