Abortion, marijuana, and other key issues on state ballots in 2024
Image: North Dakota Living
The 2024 election is in full swing, with Election Day right around the corner.
And, while tons of attention has been paid to the neck-and-neck presidential and congressional races, ballots across the country will also contain a slew of contentious ballot measures across several major topics.
Abortion is on the ballot in 10 states. Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska are among the ten states that’ll vote on ballot measures seeking to add the right to abortion in their state constitutions. On the flip side, Nebraska is also the only state that’ll vote on potential abortion restrictions, with the state ballot measure proposing a ban on the practice after the first trimester (~13 weeks of pregnancy).
Eight states, plus DC, are considering election overhauls. Statewide ballot measures to establish ranked-choice voting will be decided in six states plus Washington DC, while four of those states – and an additional two others – will vote on proposals to change their primary election processes.
A trio of states are weighing whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota will consider whether to legalize recreational marijuana, while a fourth state (Nebraska) has a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana. Florida Amendment 3 is the most expensive marijuana-related ballot measure election in US history, with a combined $122+ million in contributions to campaigns for and against the ballot measure.
Big picture: As of yesterday, Americans had cast 51+ million early votes in this year’s election, with a roughly 50-50 split between mail-in ballots and in-person votes, per the University of Florida's Election Lab. Available data shows registered Democrats lead Republicans by a 39.1%-36.3% margin based on votes cast thus far.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some analysts argue that even if states vote to expand abortion access, a second Trump administration threatens to undo any progress made by Democrats on abortion.
- Others contend that direct democracy is the key for citizens to make their voices heard by voting on policies like abortion, marijuana, and how their government representatives are elected.
- “Commentary: A second Trump administration could make abortion restrictions even worse.” –Carla Hall, Los Angeles Times
- “South Dakota could deliver a blow in the fight to save abortion.” –Rick Weiland, Washington Post.
- “Colorado isn’t ready for ranked-choice voting, yet” –Denver Post Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in states like North Dakota as more and more people are being educated on how to responsibly consume marijuana.
- Others contend that the fate of America’s future is on the ballot with the issue of abortion, and urge voters to choose to preserve the sanctity of life.
- “North Dakotans are ready for the responsibility of recreational marijuana.” –FCC Editorial Advisory Board
- “Fate of America is on the ballot: Abortion extremists would eliminate generations.” –Jim Daly and Focus on the Family, Washington Times
- “Trump & Harris want weed legalized, ignore downside.” –Boston Herald Editorial Board
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