All articles tagged with #ballot measures
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced that a referendum on transgender athletes participating in sports has been removed from the 2026 ballot, shelving the measure for now and leaving no immediate voter decision on the issue.
Gov. Mike Kehoe moved four proposed constitutional amendments to Missouri’s Aug. 4 primary ballot: Amendment 1 extends a 0.1% sales tax for parks and conservation; Amendment 2 would require direct election of county assessors; Amendment 4 would require initiative-petition amendments to win in a majority in every congressional district; Amendment 5 would allow lawmakers to expand sales taxes with revenue tied to cuts in the top income tax rate, giving five years to redefine what’s taxed. Supporters say it modernizes tax policy and competitiveness, while opponents warn of expanded tax power and weakened voter protections; a lawsuit challenges Amendment 5 and timelines are tight for ballot preparation. The August ballot is expected to shape 2026 elections with competitive GOP primaries and the state auditor race, alongside potential measures in November on abortion and redistricting.
In Pennsylvania’s 2026 primaries, progressive Chris Rabb won the Philadelphia-based 3rd District seat, while Bob Harvie defeated Lucia Simonelli in Bucks County’s 1st District; Gov. Josh Shapiro and Republican Stacy Garrity won uncontested primaries. Democrats hope swing districts will help them in November, and Philadelphia voters approved two ballot measures — a city retirement savings program and an office to monitor youth services — as full results continue to roll in.
Preliminary Lane County results show multiple county and city races decided or leaning toward winners as of 10 p.m.: District 1 West, District 2 (Springfield) and District 5 East show leading candidates, Amit Kapoor trails to Katina Saint Marie for Circuit Court, and several local measures are decided or moving toward approvals/denials (watershed rights proposed bill fails, a 4-H/OSU extension measure falls short, a school facility bond falls short in Siuslaw, Willamalane levy falls short, library levy appears to pass). Eugene and Springfield city council wards report varying outcomes with several incumbents and new leaders elected or projected, reflecting a broad mix of results across Lane County.
Seven states expanded Medicaid via ballot measures, but six are implementing stricter work rules, increased documentation, fewer exemptions, and earlier enforcement, risking large coverage losses. Urban Institute estimates 3–7 million could lose coverage due to work requirements alone, with Nebraska moving ahead on enforcement and some states exploring AI-assisted oversight. The policy split reflects ongoing battles over how to sustain expansion while addressing concerns about eligibility and fraud.
Brian Heywood, a Seattle-area hedge fund founder, has spent over $11 million since 2022 to promote conservative ballot measures in Washington, including parental rights and transgender athlete bans, aiming to influence state legislation and voter decisions.
Several key states including Missouri, Nevada, Virginia, Idaho, Oregon, and Nebraska are poised to influence abortion access through upcoming ballot measures in 2026, with debates over constitutional protections, restrictions, and broader reproductive rights amid ongoing legal and political shifts post-Roe v. Wade overturn.
Maine voters approved a 'red flag' law allowing family petitions to confiscate firearms from at-risk individuals, becoming the 22nd state with such legislation, while rejecting a measure that would have changed election laws. Texas voters approved amendments to clarify parental rights and restrict voting to U.S. citizens, with both measures supported by state leaders. The votes reflect ongoing debates over gun safety, voting rights, and constitutional protections.
Minnesota's 2025 Election Day features key races including state Senate control, Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral races, a 'Right to Repair' ballot measure in Duluth, and local school and county board elections, with voting procedures and registration details provided.
Missouri Governor signed a bill to rollback a voter-approved minimum wage increase and paid sick leave, reflecting Republican efforts to limit the impact of ballot measures that often support Democratic causes, amidst broader struggles over direct democracy in Republican-led states.
A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed legal challenges against Nebraska's medical cannabis ballot petitions, allowing them to proceed to the 2024 general election. The lawsuit, led by former state senator John Kuehn and supported by the Nebraska Secretary of State and Attorney General, failed to invalidate enough petition signatures. Despite allegations of circulator fraud and improper notarizations, the court found insufficient evidence of widespread wrongdoing. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Nebraska Supreme Court.
Nebraskans voted on six ballot measures, with five receiving majority support, including initiatives on medical cannabis, abortion, school choice, and paid sick leave. Medical cannabis measures will take effect upon the governor's proclamation, pending a court ruling. A measure restricting abortion after the first trimester passed, while a competing measure to enshrine abortion rights failed. A school choice repeal measure passed, and a paid sick leave initiative will take effect in 2025. The State Canvassing Board will certify results in December, with potential recounts and legal challenges ongoing.
In the 2024 Colorado elections, most races and ballot measures have been decided, with seven out of eight Congressional district races called. The 8th District race between Republican Gabe Evans and Democrat Yadira Caraveo remains too close to call. Key ballot measures passed include property tax exemptions for veterans, the establishment of an independent judicial board, and the right to abortion. Denver voters approved a sales tax increase for Denver Health and collective bargaining for city employees, among other measures.
California's 2024 ballot propositions are still being counted, with 5.4 million ballots remaining. Proposition 3, which amends the state constitution to remove language defining marriage as between a man and a woman, and Proposition 36, which increases punishments for certain theft and drug offenses, have passed. Proposition 33, which would have allowed rent control, was rejected. Several other propositions, including those on public school bonds, environmental bonds, and minimum wage increases, remain undetermined as counting continues.
Recent pro-abortion ballot measures passed in seven US states, including Arizona and Missouri, aim to enshrine abortion rights in state constitutions, potentially expanding access. However, immediate changes are unlikely due to existing bans and restrictions, requiring litigation and resource ramp-up. Despite these measures, 40% of women of reproductive age still live in states with significant abortion restrictions. The future of abortion access remains uncertain, especially with potential policy shifts under a new Trump administration, which could impact medication abortion and telehealth services.