Abortion, cannabis, and voting reform take center stage in US referendums
On 5th November, 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, cannabis legalisation, and changes to electoral systems.
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.
In Florida, where a 60 per cent 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. Polls from "The New York Times" 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 legalisation of cannabis and other substances. In Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota, voters will decide on the full legalisation of cannabis, while in Nebraska, the vote will concern its medical use.
In Massachusetts, the discussion will include the decriminalisation of using psychedelic substances such as LSD, psilocybin, or MDMA. Despite cannabis 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 criticised 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. 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 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.
