US Voters Decide on 145 Statewide Ballot Measures

Voters across the United States will decide on at least 145 statewide ballot initiatives during the November midterm elections. These measures focus heavily on reproductive rights, transgender healthcare, taxation, and election procedures.

Reproductive rights remain a central issue following the Supreme Court of the United States decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Voters in Nevada and Virginia are considering constitutional protections for abortion, while Idaho voters may decide on overturning a near-total ban. In Missouri, a Republican-led legislature has proposed a combined ban on abortion and gender-affirming care for minors, while other Missouri voters seek to repeal a 2024 reproductive freedom initiative.

Fiscal measures include California's Proposition 40, a proposed one-time 5% tax on assets over $1 billion. The measure has sparked a high-cost campaign with $92 million spent on advertisements; Senator Bernie Sanders supports the tax, while Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced opposition. Other tax-related votes include a shift toward a progressive tax system in Colorado, a proposal to exempt the first $150,000 of home value from property taxes in Florida, and Washington's Initiative 645, which seeks to repeal a millionaires tax.

Social and electoral rules are also under review. Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington are voting on restrictions for transgender athletes, while Vermont considers a constitutional amendment to guarantee rights for gender identity. Voting-related measures range from photo ID requirements in several states to the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated citizens in Virginia and the repeal of ranked choice voting in Alaska.