voters tackle abortion rights and marijuana in key states
On November 5, alongside the presidential elections, voters in 41 US states will participate in nearly 150 referendums on key social and political issues. The most emotionally charged votes are on abortion rights, marijuana legalization, and changes to electoral systems.
11:39 AM EDT, October 31, 2024
According to PAP, the most controversial topic of this year's state referendums is abortion. After the Supreme Court invalidated the nationwide right to the procedure, the issue returns to the state level. Residents of 11 states, including Arizona, Nevada, Montana, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, will decide whether to enshrine the right to abortion in their constitutions.
Read also: Is it haunted here? These news stories give goosebumps
In Florida, where a 60 percent approval is needed to pass an initiative, the topic is particularly controversial. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, who votes in this state, oppose the proposed changes. "New York Times" polls suggest that while abortion rights supporters might gain a majority, they will likely not reach the required threshold.
The second significant issue is drug policy. In five states, referendums will be held regarding the legalization of marijuana and other substances. In Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota, voters will decide on the full legalization of marijuana, while in Nebraska, the vote will concern its medical use.
In Massachusetts, the discussion will include the decriminalization of using psychedelic substances such as LSD, psilocybin, or MDMA. Despite marijuana remaining illegal at the federal level, already 24 states and the District of Columbia permit its recreational use, and 38 allow it for medical use.
Changes in electoral systems. Americans decide
Another important topic is changes in electoral systems. Alaska, one of the first to introduce a ranked-choice voting system, is now considering banning it. A similar vote will take place in Missouri.
Meanwhile, residents of Colorado, the District of Columbia, Idaho, and Oregon will decide on implementing this system. Ranked-choice voting, praised for promoting moderate candidates, is criticized by opponents for its complexity and complicating the vote-counting process.
Additionally, in eight states referendums aim to confirm that only US citizens can participate in elections, even though current law already guarantees this.
The election of governors. Favorites emerge in most states
Apart from referendums, some states will hold state legislature elections as well as gubernatorial elections in 11 states. According to PAP, only in New Hampshire is there no clear favorite. Kelly Ayotte, supported by the outgoing Republican Governor Chris Sununu, is competing against Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester. In other states, the victory of incumbent governors or candidates from the same party is anticipated.
Initially, a close contest was expected in North Carolina, where Democrat Josh Stein is facing Republican Mark Robinson. Robinson’s campaign suffered, however, after media reports of his controversial online posts, including those defending slavery and using offensive terms. This situation might affect the election outcome in this state.
Read also: USA concerned. Appeal to China. They remain pessimistic
