Voters Across the U.S. to Decide on Important Issues Next Week

Next week, people in different states across the U.S. will get to vote on some very important topics that affect their communities. There are almost 150 decisions, called “ballot measures,” that they will vote on. These include issues like abortion rights, voting rules, marijuana, immigration, and economic changes.

Constitutional amendments related to abortion rights have drawn the most national attention in an election year that has otherwise been dominated by the presidential race.

“The major trends that we’re seeing in 2024 are reproductive freedom, democracy and economic justice,” said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, the executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which works with progressive organizations to help advance citizen-led ballot measures.

Abortion Rights

In 10 states, including Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, voters will decide on new rules about abortion. Some of these rules are about making it easier for people to access abortion services, while others set limits. Different states want to make their own choices about this important issue.

Voting Rules

Thirty-nine of the ballot measures are about voting. Some of these decisions will make voting rules stricter, like requiring people to show an ID to vote in places like Nevada. Others are about making voting easier or keeping it fair.

In some states, people will vote on measures that make sure only U.S. citizens can vote, even though it’s already the law in those states. Other states like Arizona and North Dakota are deciding if it should be harder for people to start new ballot measures in the future.

Marijuana

Some states are voting on whether marijuana should be allowed for medical or recreational use. Marijuana is already allowed in many states, but Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota are deciding if they should join them. In Florida, they’re voting on whether people over 21 should be allowed to use it recreationally.

Immigration

In Arizona, voters will decide if local police should be allowed to check if people crossing the border into the U.S. have permission to be here. Right now, the federal government handles most immigration checks, so this is a big decision for Arizona.

Economic and Crime Issues

Many states are voting on rules about money and jobs. California might increase the minimum wage (the lowest pay allowed) to $18, while Alaska and Missouri are considering raising it to $15.

Other states are voting on changes to property tax rules (the money people pay based on the value of their homes), and California might increase penalties for drug crimes.

Next week, people will vote on these important issues to decide what they want for the future of their states.