Abortion rights and marijuana: Divisive votes shape 2024 landscape
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.
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 returned 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.
The topic is particularly controversial in Florida, where a 60 percent approval is needed to pass an initiative. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, who votes in this state, oppose the proposed changes. The 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 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 be able to 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, although current law already guarantees this.
The election of governors. Favourites emerge in most states
Apart from referendums, some states will hold state legislature elections and gubernatorial elections in 11 states. According to PAP, there is no clear favourite in New Hampshire. 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 faces 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.
