Plebiscite Plaza 2024:
First, there's Amendment 1 on March 5. Since 1984, Alabama's had the Budget Isolation Resolution Amendment, which says, among other things, that the state's general and education budgets must be the first things the Legislature approves unless 60% of the legislature grants a waiver for any other bill. Since the Budgets are actually done last, this effectively means a 60% threshold for most legislation. This Amendment would automatically exempt local laws or Alabama's infamous local/county amendments from the isolation process, meaning they could be passed with simple majorities regardless of when the budgets are approved. REJECTED
Alabama's November Amendment 1 is a County Amendment because of course Alabama's going to have at least one on here. This amendment would allow the Franklin County Board of Education to manage, sell, or lease sixteenth section or indemnity school lands or the natural resources on those lands that the Franklin County School System owns in Fayette and Walker Counties further south. Sixteenth Section lands are 1/16 of a township that the federal government has reserved for public schools since the days of the Northwest Ordinance, and Indemnity school lands(in this case) refer to lands where a First Nation claimed the sixteenth section and so the township had to build somewhere else. The state oversees these lands, and for some reason(I still don't know what) Franklin County School District received some of these lands in Fayette and Walker Counties.
Alabama's November Amendment 1 is a County Amendment because of course Alabama's going to have at least one on here. This amendment would allow the Franklin County Board of Education to manage, sell, or lease sixteenth section or indemnity school lands or the natural resources on those lands that the Franklin County School System owns in Fayette and Walker Counties further south. Sixteenth Section lands are 1/16 of a township that the federal government has reserved for public schools since the days of the Northwest Ordinance, and Indemnity school lands(in this case) refer to lands where a First Nation claimed the sixteenth section and so the township had to build somewhere else. The state oversees these lands, and for some reason(I still don't know what) Franklin County School District received some of these lands in Fayette and Walker Counties.
Ballot Measure 1 would increase worker's rights and benefits. First, the state minimum wage would be increased to $15 an hour incrementally to July 1, 2027. Second, employees would be allowed to accrue up to 56 hours of paid sick leave a year if they work in a business with 15 or more employees and up to 40 hours a year if they work somewhere with less than 15. Third, employers would be banned from taking adverse actions against employees who refuse to attend company-sponsored meetings regarding political or religious issues. Religious organisations could still require them without trouble, colleges would still be allowed to discuss coursework regarding such subjects, and skipping other types of meetings can still be considred actionable.]
Ballot Measure 2 would repeal RCV and top-four primaries, a system that was narrowly approved in 2020. It would take everything back to the previous model of FPTP party primaries and general elections.
Ballot Measure 2 would repeal RCV and top-four primaries, a system that was narrowly approved in 2020. It would take everything back to the previous model of FPTP party primaries and general elections.
Props 133 and 140 both have to do with electoral reform, but they do it in different ways. Prop 133 is an amendment that would require partisan primaries for partisan offices and expressly forbid jungle primaries statewide. This was put up alongside companion legislation that would ban RCV in general elections, but that bill was vetoed with no possibility of being overridden. Prop 140, on the other hand, goes in the opposite direction by eliminating all partisan primaries and switching to either RCV or a top-two jungle primary. If it passes, the legislature would have the right to determine whether the resulting jungle primaries would have anywhere from two to five candidates. If it's just two, then it's an FPTP general, if it's three or more, then it has to be RCV.
Prop 134 is an amendment that would raise signature thresholds for ballot initiatives. Currently, getting on the ballot requires 10% of the number of people who voted for Governor statewide in the last election to sign it if it's a statute and 15% if it's an amendment. This would change that to 10% and 15% in each legislative district instead.
Prop 135 is an amendment that would allow the Legislature to terminate states of emergency and alter the Governor's authority for them. It would also automatically terminate a state of emergency after 30 days unless the Legislature renews it or it's caused by war, fire, or flood.
Prop 136 is an amendment that would allow legal or constitutional challenges to any ballot measure that's been filed by the Secretary of State provided those challenges are launched more than 100 days before the election where they'll be voted on.
Prop 137 is an amendment that would abolish term limits for State Supreme Court and Superior Court judges, which are currently set at six years for the Supreme Court and four years for Superior Courts. In their place, they would have terms "of good behaviour" unless a judicial review commission determines otherwise. It would also end retention elections when the now non-existent terms are up and replace them with retention elections if the judge is convicted of a felony, convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty, launches bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings, or is determined to have failed judicial performance standards, which are to be tested every four years. The Chief Justice must provide a list of judges that could be up for retention under these terms no later than 120 before the general election, or between 60-90 days before if the incident occurs later.
Prop 138 is an amendment that would allow tipped workers to be paid a minimum wage 25% below the state's minimum wage if any tips reported by the worker are at least standard minimum wage plus $2 for all hours worked.
Prop 139 is an amendment that says the state cannot interfere with a woman's right to an abortion before foetal viability unless there's a compelling state interest, which would be defined as a law that's meant to improve or maintain a woman's health that does not infringe on a person's right to make autonomous bodily decisions.
Prop 311 would create a new $20 court cost for each conviction a person receives. The money would go to a new fund that would pay out a benefit of $250,000 to the spouses and children of first responders killed in the line of duty. If the fund contains more than $2 million, then excess money would go to things like responder training and equipment.
Prop 312 would allow property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city, town, village, etc, where the property sits isn't enforcing public nuisance laws, including laws that ban illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public voiding of bodily waste, obstructing thoroughfares, and drinking or posessing illegal drugs in public.
Prop 313 would provide for life imprisonment for anyone convicted of sex trafficking minors.
Prop 314 would make illegal immigration a state crime as well as a federal crime. State law enforcement could arrest people for violating the law, and state judges could enforce it via deportation. It would also require the use of the federal E-Verify programme on individuals immigration status before they apply for any financial aid or welfare programmes. Providing false documents to employers in order to get around E-Verify would become a Class 1 Misdemeanour for a first offence and a Class 6 felony for a second offence. It would also make knowingly selling fentanyl that results in another person's death a Class 2 felony.
Prop 315 would prohibit any executive agency rules from going into effect if they are expected to increase regulatory costs more than $500,000 over five years unless the Legislature ratifies them.
Prop 134 is an amendment that would raise signature thresholds for ballot initiatives. Currently, getting on the ballot requires 10% of the number of people who voted for Governor statewide in the last election to sign it if it's a statute and 15% if it's an amendment. This would change that to 10% and 15% in each legislative district instead.
Prop 135 is an amendment that would allow the Legislature to terminate states of emergency and alter the Governor's authority for them. It would also automatically terminate a state of emergency after 30 days unless the Legislature renews it or it's caused by war, fire, or flood.
Prop 136 is an amendment that would allow legal or constitutional challenges to any ballot measure that's been filed by the Secretary of State provided those challenges are launched more than 100 days before the election where they'll be voted on.
Prop 137 is an amendment that would abolish term limits for State Supreme Court and Superior Court judges, which are currently set at six years for the Supreme Court and four years for Superior Courts. In their place, they would have terms "of good behaviour" unless a judicial review commission determines otherwise. It would also end retention elections when the now non-existent terms are up and replace them with retention elections if the judge is convicted of a felony, convicted of any offence involving fraud or dishonesty, launches bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings, or is determined to have failed judicial performance standards, which are to be tested every four years. The Chief Justice must provide a list of judges that could be up for retention under these terms no later than 120 before the general election, or between 60-90 days before if the incident occurs later.
Prop 138 is an amendment that would allow tipped workers to be paid a minimum wage 25% below the state's minimum wage if any tips reported by the worker are at least standard minimum wage plus $2 for all hours worked.
Prop 139 is an amendment that says the state cannot interfere with a woman's right to an abortion before foetal viability unless there's a compelling state interest, which would be defined as a law that's meant to improve or maintain a woman's health that does not infringe on a person's right to make autonomous bodily decisions.
Prop 311 would create a new $20 court cost for each conviction a person receives. The money would go to a new fund that would pay out a benefit of $250,000 to the spouses and children of first responders killed in the line of duty. If the fund contains more than $2 million, then excess money would go to things like responder training and equipment.
Prop 312 would allow property owners to apply for a property tax refund if the city, town, village, etc, where the property sits isn't enforcing public nuisance laws, including laws that ban illegal camping, loitering, panhandling, public voiding of bodily waste, obstructing thoroughfares, and drinking or posessing illegal drugs in public.
Prop 313 would provide for life imprisonment for anyone convicted of sex trafficking minors.
Prop 314 would make illegal immigration a state crime as well as a federal crime. State law enforcement could arrest people for violating the law, and state judges could enforce it via deportation. It would also require the use of the federal E-Verify programme on individuals immigration status before they apply for any financial aid or welfare programmes. Providing false documents to employers in order to get around E-Verify would become a Class 1 Misdemeanour for a first offence and a Class 6 felony for a second offence. It would also make knowingly selling fentanyl that results in another person's death a Class 2 felony.
Prop 315 would prohibit any executive agency rules from going into effect if they are expected to increase regulatory costs more than $500,000 over five years unless the Legislature ratifies them.
Issue 1 would allow the State Lottery to fund grants and scholarships technical institutes and vocational-technical schools as well as regular colleges and universities.
Issue 2 would repeal part of a 2018 Amendment allowing a casino licence in Pope County. Russellville(in Pope County) is one of four spots where a casino's allowed under 2018's Issue 2, but while Issue 2 was approved by 54% of statewide voters, Pope County itself voted 60% against the measure. So this measure would revoke the licence and require future gambling expansion amendments to be approved by the counties involved as well as the state. If any county rejects the measure, the licence that would go to them would be rejected.
Issue 2 would repeal part of a 2018 Amendment allowing a casino licence in Pope County. Russellville(in Pope County) is one of four spots where a casino's allowed under 2018's Issue 2, but while Issue 2 was approved by 54% of statewide voters, Pope County itself voted 60% against the measure. So this measure would revoke the licence and require future gambling expansion amendments to be approved by the counties involved as well as the state. If any county rejects the measure, the licence that would go to them would be rejected.
First, we've got Prop 1 on March 5. This changes the Mental Health Services Act to the Behavioural Health Services Act. First, it would change how money collected under this law is spent. Counties' share of money would go down to 91%(from 95%) and state share would go up to 9%(from 5%). Counties would be required to include housing interventions, early interventions, and full-service partnership programmes to help people regardless of mental health status. 30% of county money would go to housing interventions(50% of which would go to fighting chronic homelessness), 35% to full-service partnerships, and 35% to behavioural health supports and services(51% of which would be committed for people age 25 and younger). As for the state's share, 22% goes to a reserve for counties, 33% goes to a behavioural health workforce initiative run by the state Department of Healthcare Access and Information, and 44% goes to the state Department of Public Health mental health and substance-abuse prevention measures. Second, the current 16-member body that provides oversight would grow to 27 members(all still appointed by the Governor). The 11 new members would include five who either themselves have or are relations of people who have substance abuse disorders, a veteran or a veteran's organisation representative, an expert in housing and homelessness, a representative of a disability rights organisation, a current or former behavioural health director, a children's or youth organisation representative, and a person with knowledge and experience in community-defined evidence practices and reducing behavioral health disparities. Third, it would issue $6.38 billion in bonds, $4.3 billion of which would go to behavioural health treatment and housing, $1.05 billion to homeless veterans with mental or substabce abuse issues, and $922 million to housing for people at risk of homelessness with behavioural health issues. APPROVED
On to November. Props 2 and 4 are straight up bond issues, something I don't normally go into unless it involves amending the Constitution of a state, and it doesn't in Cali.
Prop 3 would repeal Prop 8(2008) and formally grant same sex couples the right to marry. This is primarily symbolic, but a popular plan nonetheless.
Prop 5 would lower the threshold for cities and counties to approve taxes and bonds for housing. It would go down from a two-thirds majority to 55% plus one.
Prop 6 would abolish slavery and involuntary servitude being used as a punishment for convicts.
Prop 32(it goes up to 32 because initiated and referred propositions are numbered separately over the 10-year period) would raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026 for all employees and index it to inflation thereafter.
Prop 33 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act, the 1995 law that prohibits rent controls. Cities and counties could now control rents on any housing or apartments built after February 1, 1995, and they could also impose limits on how much landlords could charge first-time renters.
Prop 34 would label any organisation that participates in the federal 340B drug price discount programme, owns at least one licence to operate a pharmacy, health insurance plan, or hospital in California or works contracts with Medi-Cal(the state's Medicaid) or federal Medicaid as a special needs or primary care organisation, spends at least $100 million on things unrelated to direct medical care over a 10-year period, and operates or owns at least one multifamily dwelling with at least 500 high-severity safety or health violations as a prescription drug price manipulator. Such manipulators would be required to spend a minimum of 98% of all 340B revenues on direct patient care or have their medical licence taken away. It would also permanently enshrine the Medi-Cal RX programme into law. If these criteria seem oddly specific, that's because only one organisation in California, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, fits them all, and some have claimed that this is a politically motivated measure due to the foundation's work on removing rent controls given that the main sponsor for Prop 34 is the California Apartment Association.
Prop 35 would make a 2009 tax on managed care organisations(organisations that provide health insurance at fixed prices for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid programme), set to expire in 2026, permanent. The tax is set at $182.50 per enrolled person and $1.75 per each commercial enrollee. The Department of Health Care Services could modify the tax to continue receiving Federal approval, but they couldn't raise the commercial rate higher than $2.50 per person, nor could they get more than $36 million in revenue(adjusted annually) from the commercial portion. Like now, the tax would mostly go to help fund Medi-cal's enrollment and administrative costs, but in 2025-26, any remaining revenue would go to fund Medi-Cal directly($2.7 billion) and to the state's General Fund($2 billion). From 2027 onward, appropriations would be restructured to $4.3 billion going to Medi-Cal and the general fund(92% going to Medi-Cal) and $226 million to subsidise drug affordability measures, community health workers, and health workforce programmes. Any remaining funds will be divided 75/25 between Medi-Cal and the General fund.
Prop 36 would increase and change certain criminal penalties. First, certain drug-related misdemeanours would become treatment-mandated felonies, a new classification. This would apply to anyone charged with possession of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, or meth who also has two or more previous drug convictions. If the person pleads no contest, then they would undergo a court-ordered mental health and substance use evaluation followed by a course of treatment. If the person successfully completes rehab, the charge will be dismissed. If not, they can receive up to three years in prison. Second, it would require courts to warn people convicted of drug trafficking or distribution of future criminal liabilities, including murder charges if they sell someone drugs that later kill them. Third, fentanyl would join the ranks of hard drugs that warrant felony charges for trafficking and possession while carrying a loaded firearm. Fourth, judges would now have the right to sentence individuals to state prison rather than county jail for the same crimes. Fifth, sentences could be made longer based on the amount of drugs sold, from three years for distributing between 28-100 grams to 25 years for distributing 80 kilograms or more. Sixth, people convicted of theft valued at $950 or less, currently a misdemeanour, would become a felony if there are two previous theft convictions. The penalty would go up to three years in either jail or prison depending on previous criminal history. Seventh, the sentence could be increased depending on the value of stolen cash or property from an additional year for theft between $50,000-200,000 to four years for theft values at $3 million and another year for every $3 million beyond that.
On to November. Props 2 and 4 are straight up bond issues, something I don't normally go into unless it involves amending the Constitution of a state, and it doesn't in Cali.
Prop 3 would repeal Prop 8(2008) and formally grant same sex couples the right to marry. This is primarily symbolic, but a popular plan nonetheless.
Prop 5 would lower the threshold for cities and counties to approve taxes and bonds for housing. It would go down from a two-thirds majority to 55% plus one.
Prop 6 would abolish slavery and involuntary servitude being used as a punishment for convicts.
Prop 32(it goes up to 32 because initiated and referred propositions are numbered separately over the 10-year period) would raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour by 2026 for all employees and index it to inflation thereafter.
Prop 33 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Act, the 1995 law that prohibits rent controls. Cities and counties could now control rents on any housing or apartments built after February 1, 1995, and they could also impose limits on how much landlords could charge first-time renters.
Prop 34 would label any organisation that participates in the federal 340B drug price discount programme, owns at least one licence to operate a pharmacy, health insurance plan, or hospital in California or works contracts with Medi-Cal(the state's Medicaid) or federal Medicaid as a special needs or primary care organisation, spends at least $100 million on things unrelated to direct medical care over a 10-year period, and operates or owns at least one multifamily dwelling with at least 500 high-severity safety or health violations as a prescription drug price manipulator. Such manipulators would be required to spend a minimum of 98% of all 340B revenues on direct patient care or have their medical licence taken away. It would also permanently enshrine the Medi-Cal RX programme into law. If these criteria seem oddly specific, that's because only one organisation in California, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, fits them all, and some have claimed that this is a politically motivated measure due to the foundation's work on removing rent controls given that the main sponsor for Prop 34 is the California Apartment Association.
Prop 35 would make a 2009 tax on managed care organisations(organisations that provide health insurance at fixed prices for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid programme), set to expire in 2026, permanent. The tax is set at $182.50 per enrolled person and $1.75 per each commercial enrollee. The Department of Health Care Services could modify the tax to continue receiving Federal approval, but they couldn't raise the commercial rate higher than $2.50 per person, nor could they get more than $36 million in revenue(adjusted annually) from the commercial portion. Like now, the tax would mostly go to help fund Medi-cal's enrollment and administrative costs, but in 2025-26, any remaining revenue would go to fund Medi-Cal directly($2.7 billion) and to the state's General Fund($2 billion). From 2027 onward, appropriations would be restructured to $4.3 billion going to Medi-Cal and the general fund(92% going to Medi-Cal) and $226 million to subsidise drug affordability measures, community health workers, and health workforce programmes. Any remaining funds will be divided 75/25 between Medi-Cal and the General fund.
Prop 36 would increase and change certain criminal penalties. First, certain drug-related misdemeanours would become treatment-mandated felonies, a new classification. This would apply to anyone charged with possession of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, or meth who also has two or more previous drug convictions. If the person pleads no contest, then they would undergo a court-ordered mental health and substance use evaluation followed by a course of treatment. If the person successfully completes rehab, the charge will be dismissed. If not, they can receive up to three years in prison. Second, it would require courts to warn people convicted of drug trafficking or distribution of future criminal liabilities, including murder charges if they sell someone drugs that later kill them. Third, fentanyl would join the ranks of hard drugs that warrant felony charges for trafficking and possession while carrying a loaded firearm. Fourth, judges would now have the right to sentence individuals to state prison rather than county jail for the same crimes. Fifth, sentences could be made longer based on the amount of drugs sold, from three years for distributing between 28-100 grams to 25 years for distributing 80 kilograms or more. Sixth, people convicted of theft valued at $950 or less, currently a misdemeanour, would become a felony if there are two previous theft convictions. The penalty would go up to three years in either jail or prison depending on previous criminal history. Seventh, the sentence could be increased depending on the value of stolen cash or property from an additional year for theft between $50,000-200,000 to four years for theft values at $3 million and another year for every $3 million beyond that.
Amendment 79 would add a right to abortion and lift the restriction on using public funds for abortions.
Amendment 80 would add a right to education and school choice into the state's constitution, and it would define school choice to include public, private, charter, home, or other future school innovations and open enrollment options. It would also say that parents have a right to direct their child's education.
Amendment G would expand a property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Currently, veterans with a 100% disability rating get 50% exempted from the first $200,000 of their property's value. This would expand the exemption to include veterans with individual unemployability status, which means they have one service-related issue that causes 60% disability or two or more issues that have a combined 70% disability or one of those issues causing 40% disability.
Amendment H would create a new Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board that would supervise cases against judges or lawyers sent to it by the Commission on Judicial Discipline. This would be a 12-member board consisting of four district court judges, four attorneys, and four citizens. Cases would also be made public when formal proceedings begin rather than when everything is finished. Tribunals would consist of three members, one from each category, and they could be appealed to the State Supreme Court or to a tribunal if the case is against a Supreme Court Justice or their family or more than two Justices recuse themselves.
Amendment I would remove a suspect's right to bail in first-degree murder cases if the presumption is great and the proof is evident.
Amendment J would repeal Amendment 43 from 2006, the constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage.
Amendment K would make slight changes to the timeline for filing and signing ballot initiatives as well as for judges and justices to signify if they're running for office again. Filing a ballot initiative would now have a deadline of three months and a week, the deadline for referendum signatures would be reduced from 90 days after the Legislature adjourns to 83 days, the deadline for publishing initiatives would be moved from 15 days prior to the final day of voter registration to 45 days before the final day of voting(remember, it's all by mail in Colorado), and expand the time for judges to file an intent of re-election from between 3-6 months before the general election to 3-and-a-week to 6-and-a-week months.
Prop JJ would allow the state to retain any revenue from sports betting taxes over $29 million, the cap placed on it in 2019's Prop DD, which legalised sports betting in Colorado.
Prop KK would create a new 6.5% sales tax on all gun manufacturers, dealers, and ammunition dealers that make more than $20,000 a year for their wares. The tax is expected to make $39 million in revenue, $30 million of which would go to the state Crime Victim Services Fund, $1 million to the School Security Disbursement Fund, and $8 million going to the Behavioural and Mental Health Services Fund. All of these figures would be indexed to inflation each year.
Prop 127 would define and ban trophy hunting as the intentional killing, wounding, trapping, or pursuing of Colorado's three big cat species(bobcats, mountain lions, and lynxes). Mountain lions would be reclassified as a protected species and no longer big game, which means farmers and ranchers could no longer apply for big game damage claims for loss of livestock. Owning or bobcat or a lynx would be a violation of this new law, and all first violations would become Class 1 Misdemeanours punishable by having their wildlife licences revoked for five years. Second and subsequent violations would lead to a lifetime loss of that licence. Exceptions would be allowed for self-defence, euthanasia, accidents, or special licences, and non-lethal deterrents could be used to defend property or livestock.
Prop 128 is also called the Truth-In-Sentencing Initiative. It would require people convicted of violent crimes to serve at least 85% of their sentence including time off for good behaviour before they could be eligible for parole, up from the current requirement of 75% excluding behaviour credits.
Prop 129 would create a new profession, that of a veterinary professional associate, or VPA. VPAs are allowed in some states, and they're allowed to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a certified vet. Aspiring VPAs would require a master's degree in veterinary medicine and a board certification.
Prop 130 would create the Peace Officer Training and Support Fund and direct the Legislature to appropriate $350 million to start it. This fund would go to law enforcement agencies across the state to increase annual salaries, offer one-time hiring or retention bonuses to officers, train new police and sherriff's deputies, hire specialised officers for specialised purposes such as anti-gang or human trafficking squads, and provide death benefits of $1 million to the families of those killed in the line of duty.
Prop 131 would bring RCV to Colorado. The state would go to a top-four jungle primary for all major races save the Presidency with an RCV general.
All the constitutional amendments here require 55% +1 to pass.
Amendment 80 would add a right to education and school choice into the state's constitution, and it would define school choice to include public, private, charter, home, or other future school innovations and open enrollment options. It would also say that parents have a right to direct their child's education.
Amendment G would expand a property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Currently, veterans with a 100% disability rating get 50% exempted from the first $200,000 of their property's value. This would expand the exemption to include veterans with individual unemployability status, which means they have one service-related issue that causes 60% disability or two or more issues that have a combined 70% disability or one of those issues causing 40% disability.
Amendment H would create a new Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board that would supervise cases against judges or lawyers sent to it by the Commission on Judicial Discipline. This would be a 12-member board consisting of four district court judges, four attorneys, and four citizens. Cases would also be made public when formal proceedings begin rather than when everything is finished. Tribunals would consist of three members, one from each category, and they could be appealed to the State Supreme Court or to a tribunal if the case is against a Supreme Court Justice or their family or more than two Justices recuse themselves.
Amendment I would remove a suspect's right to bail in first-degree murder cases if the presumption is great and the proof is evident.
Amendment J would repeal Amendment 43 from 2006, the constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage.
Amendment K would make slight changes to the timeline for filing and signing ballot initiatives as well as for judges and justices to signify if they're running for office again. Filing a ballot initiative would now have a deadline of three months and a week, the deadline for referendum signatures would be reduced from 90 days after the Legislature adjourns to 83 days, the deadline for publishing initiatives would be moved from 15 days prior to the final day of voter registration to 45 days before the final day of voting(remember, it's all by mail in Colorado), and expand the time for judges to file an intent of re-election from between 3-6 months before the general election to 3-and-a-week to 6-and-a-week months.
Prop JJ would allow the state to retain any revenue from sports betting taxes over $29 million, the cap placed on it in 2019's Prop DD, which legalised sports betting in Colorado.
Prop KK would create a new 6.5% sales tax on all gun manufacturers, dealers, and ammunition dealers that make more than $20,000 a year for their wares. The tax is expected to make $39 million in revenue, $30 million of which would go to the state Crime Victim Services Fund, $1 million to the School Security Disbursement Fund, and $8 million going to the Behavioural and Mental Health Services Fund. All of these figures would be indexed to inflation each year.
Prop 127 would define and ban trophy hunting as the intentional killing, wounding, trapping, or pursuing of Colorado's three big cat species(bobcats, mountain lions, and lynxes). Mountain lions would be reclassified as a protected species and no longer big game, which means farmers and ranchers could no longer apply for big game damage claims for loss of livestock. Owning or bobcat or a lynx would be a violation of this new law, and all first violations would become Class 1 Misdemeanours punishable by having their wildlife licences revoked for five years. Second and subsequent violations would lead to a lifetime loss of that licence. Exceptions would be allowed for self-defence, euthanasia, accidents, or special licences, and non-lethal deterrents could be used to defend property or livestock.
Prop 128 is also called the Truth-In-Sentencing Initiative. It would require people convicted of violent crimes to serve at least 85% of their sentence including time off for good behaviour before they could be eligible for parole, up from the current requirement of 75% excluding behaviour credits.
Prop 129 would create a new profession, that of a veterinary professional associate, or VPA. VPAs are allowed in some states, and they're allowed to practice veterinary medicine under the supervision of a certified vet. Aspiring VPAs would require a master's degree in veterinary medicine and a board certification.
Prop 130 would create the Peace Officer Training and Support Fund and direct the Legislature to appropriate $350 million to start it. This fund would go to law enforcement agencies across the state to increase annual salaries, offer one-time hiring or retention bonuses to officers, train new police and sherriff's deputies, hire specialised officers for specialised purposes such as anti-gang or human trafficking squads, and provide death benefits of $1 million to the families of those killed in the line of duty.
Prop 131 would bring RCV to Colorado. The state would go to a top-four jungle primary for all major races save the Presidency with an RCV general.
All the constitutional amendments here require 55% +1 to pass.
Connecticut will be voting on an amendment that would allow the Legislature to implement no-excuse absentee voting.
Initiative 83 would bring RCV to DC. People could vote for up to five candidates in either primary or general elections except for party committee members and the like. It would also switch DC to a semi-open Primary where unaffiliated voters could choose whichever primary ballot they wish.
Amendment 1 would, starting in 2026, make school board elections partisan for both primary and general elections.
Amendment 2 would establish a right to hunt and fish into the state constitution.
Amendment 3 would legalise recreational marijuana in Florida. People over age 21 could have up to three ounces of weed with up to five grams of concentrate. Medical marijuana treatment centres would be allowed to become full dispensaries, and the legislature would be allowed to pass legislation allowing other dispensaries.
Amendment 4 would create a constitutional right to abortion before foetal viability or when needed to save the mother's life thereafter.
Amendment 5 would adjust Florida's property tax exemption($25,000 for all primary properties and an additional $25,000 for any property valued between $50-75,000) for inflation every January 1.
Amendment 6 would repeal a constitutional public funding option for political campaigns that agree to spending limits.
And a reminder that in Florida, a 60%+1 majority is required to ratify amendments.
Amendment 2 would establish a right to hunt and fish into the state constitution.
Amendment 3 would legalise recreational marijuana in Florida. People over age 21 could have up to three ounces of weed with up to five grams of concentrate. Medical marijuana treatment centres would be allowed to become full dispensaries, and the legislature would be allowed to pass legislation allowing other dispensaries.
Amendment 4 would create a constitutional right to abortion before foetal viability or when needed to save the mother's life thereafter.
Amendment 5 would adjust Florida's property tax exemption($25,000 for all primary properties and an additional $25,000 for any property valued between $50-75,000) for inflation every January 1.
Amendment 6 would repeal a constitutional public funding option for political campaigns that agree to spending limits.
And a reminder that in Florida, a 60%+1 majority is required to ratify amendments.
Amendment 1 would create a second homestead exemption to limit property tax increases, but it would allow school districts, counties, or municipalities to opt out of it.
Amendment 2 would create the Georgia Tax Court. This would change the structure of the currently existing Georgia Tax Tribunal, which oversees things like appeals for denied refunds, property assessment appeals, and tax challenges, and put it into the judicial system(it is currently an executive agency). It would have concurrent jurisdiction with the Georgia Business Court and state Superior Courts. The Legislature would be allowed to set the numbers of judges and how they can handle things with the requirement that all judges must serve four-year terms and be appointed by the Governor with confirmation from the Judiciary Committees of both Houses.
Referendum A would raise the states personal property tax exemption limit(for everything except vehicle, trailers, and mobile homes) to $20,000 from the current $7,500.
Amendment 2 would create the Georgia Tax Court. This would change the structure of the currently existing Georgia Tax Tribunal, which oversees things like appeals for denied refunds, property assessment appeals, and tax challenges, and put it into the judicial system(it is currently an executive agency). It would have concurrent jurisdiction with the Georgia Business Court and state Superior Courts. The Legislature would be allowed to set the numbers of judges and how they can handle things with the requirement that all judges must serve four-year terms and be appointed by the Governor with confirmation from the Judiciary Committees of both Houses.
Referendum A would raise the states personal property tax exemption limit(for everything except vehicle, trailers, and mobile homes) to $20,000 from the current $7,500.
Hawaii will be voting on an amendment that would repeal the legislature's right to ban same-sex marriage.
Their second measure is an amendment that would change how district court judges are appointed. They would still be appointed by Hawaii's Chief Justice, but the process would now be the same as the one used by the Governor to make Supreme Court appointments. The Senate would have 30 days to approve an appointment, and if they don't vote either way, it'll be confirmed.
Their second measure is an amendment that would change how district court judges are appointed. They would still be appointed by Hawaii's Chief Justice, but the process would now be the same as the one used by the Governor to make Supreme Court appointments. The Senate would have 30 days to approve an appointment, and if they don't vote either way, it'll be confirmed.
HJR 5(legislative referrals are referred to by their bill number in Idaho) is an amendment that says only US Citizens can vote.
Prop 1 would bring RCV to Idaho. The current electoral method would be replaced with a top-four jungle primary and an RCV general for all state and federal races save the presidency where voters could rank as many candidates as they wish.
Prop 1 would bring RCV to Idaho. The current electoral method would be replaced with a top-four jungle primary and an RCV general for all state and federal races save the presidency where voters could rank as many candidates as they wish.
Indiana's voting on an amendment that would remove the Superintendent of Public Instruction from the official line of succession for the governorship. This is effectively a formality since the Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected office, was dissolved in 2021 and replaced with an appointed Education Secretary.
Amendment 1 would say that only citizens could vote in elections and it would also allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they'll be 18 by the general election.
Amendment 2 would formally make the Lieutentant Governor the Governor upon that office's vacancy and give then the right to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor, something that isn't formalised currently. The Lieutenant takes over the duties but doesn't officially get the job.
Amendment 2 would formally make the Lieutentant Governor the Governor upon that office's vacancy and give then the right to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor, something that isn't formalised currently. The Lieutenant takes over the duties but doesn't officially get the job.
Constitutional Amendment 1 would require that only citizens can vote.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would allow the commonwealth to fund non-public education.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would allow the commonwealth to fund non-public education.
In November, there's an amendment that would require federal revenue from all forms of energy production, including renewable energy, to go into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. Currently, the fund only receives revenue from oil and gas production.
Here's some measures coming on December 7. First, an amendment that would require a waiting period before the Legislature could vote on conference committee reports or Senate Amendments to Appropriations bills. They couldn't be considered until 48 hours after the amendments and a summary of the changes are distributed to all legislators.
Second, an amendment that would allow the Legislature to extend its regular sessions by two-day increments, up to a maximum of six extra days, if it needs the time to consider appropriations bills or the Budget.
Third, an amendment that would expand the membership of the Judiciary Commission from nine members(three judges, three lawyers, three citizens)to 14. These would be political appointees, one by the Governor, two by the House Speaker, and two by the Senate President. The commission would also be required, either by the State Supreme Curt order or an internal recommendation, to investigate sitting judges before disciplinary action is taken. Malfeasance while in office would be added to the offences that the State Supreme Court could refer a judge to the commission for, and language requiring the State Supreme Court to provide for the confidentiality and privilege of commission proceeding would be removed.
Fourth, an amendment that would change some aspects of property taxes. It would eliminate constitutional language on how the administer property tax sales and allow the legislature to administer them by regular laws. It would require that any property tax payment postponements could only be granted during a state of emergency, and it would allow the legislature to give tax collectors the right to waive property tax penalties if they believe there's a good cause to do so.
Here's some measures coming on December 7. First, an amendment that would require a waiting period before the Legislature could vote on conference committee reports or Senate Amendments to Appropriations bills. They couldn't be considered until 48 hours after the amendments and a summary of the changes are distributed to all legislators.
Second, an amendment that would allow the Legislature to extend its regular sessions by two-day increments, up to a maximum of six extra days, if it needs the time to consider appropriations bills or the Budget.
Third, an amendment that would expand the membership of the Judiciary Commission from nine members(three judges, three lawyers, three citizens)to 14. These would be political appointees, one by the Governor, two by the House Speaker, and two by the Senate President. The commission would also be required, either by the State Supreme Curt order or an internal recommendation, to investigate sitting judges before disciplinary action is taken. Malfeasance while in office would be added to the offences that the State Supreme Court could refer a judge to the commission for, and language requiring the State Supreme Court to provide for the confidentiality and privilege of commission proceeding would be removed.
Fourth, an amendment that would change some aspects of property taxes. It would eliminate constitutional language on how the administer property tax sales and allow the legislature to administer them by regular laws. It would require that any property tax payment postponements could only be granted during a state of emergency, and it would allow the legislature to give tax collectors the right to waive property tax penalties if they believe there's a good cause to do so.
Question 1 would limit people, corporations, and other entities who want to donate to SuperPACs to a maximum donation of $5,000.
Questions 2 through 4 are bond issues without any constitutional change, so we'll move on.
Question 5 would change the state's flag, making them the third state to do so in two years. The current flag isn't all that popular, and this proposal would bring back the old state flag used before 1909.
Here's the current flag of Maine:
And here's the winning design for the new/old flag designed by Mr. Adam Lemire of Gardiner, ME
Questions 2 through 4 are bond issues without any constitutional change, so we'll move on.
Question 5 would change the state's flag, making them the third state to do so in two years. The current flag isn't all that popular, and this proposal would bring back the old state flag used before 1909.
Here's the current flag of Maine:
And here's the winning design for the new/old flag designed by Mr. Adam Lemire of Gardiner, ME
Question 1 would include a right to reproductive freedom in their constitution.
Question 1 would authorise the Commonwealth Auditor to audit the General Court's(that's the Legislature) accounts, programmes, functions, activities, and departments as well as any districts created by the General Court. They would have access to all books, documents, accounts, and records related to the audit being performed. Only individual tax returns would be exempt from an audit.
Question 2 would repeal the MCAS requirement for high school students to graduate. Currently, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessments System test is the commonwealth's standardised test of choice for all students in Grade 10, and they need to pass with a score of 472 for English Language Arts, 486 for Maths, and either 220 on a legacy Science and Technology/Engineering test or 467 for next-gen Biology or 470 for Introductory Physics. Maths and English students can pass with slightly lower scores as well as long as they pass a follow-up plan through their remaining time in high school. This measure would still require the test to be taken and the plans to be met if they don't pass in Grade 10, but it would no longer be a requirement for a high school diploma.
Question 3 would guarantee transportation network drivers for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft the right to organise and collectively bargain. A union would be certified if it gets at least 25% of all employee signatures, and the commonwealth would serve as mediator for all negotiations. Any collective bargaining agreements would have to be approved by a majority of drivers who've completed at least 100 rides in the previous quarter and the Labour Secretary, and they would last three years.
Question 4 would legalise medical psilocybin, mescaline, and related psychedelics in Massachusetts. It would be available for anyone over age 21 with a prescription or a doctor's note, and it would be taxed at 15%. Psychedelics would be regulated by a new Commonwealth Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission, which would make the necessary regulations. It would have five members: One appointed by the Governor with experience in psychedelic drug science and research, one by the Attorney General with experience in public safety, one by the Treasurer(who would also chair the Commission) with experience in finance or corporate management, and two to be chosen by majority vote of all three appointers. One would need experience in indigenous or natural usage of the drugs, and one with experience in industry management. It would also create an advisory board of 20 people, five appointed each by the Governor, the Treasurer, and the Attorney General(all with certain background requirements), and the remaining five consisting of the Commonwealth Police Colonel, the Chair of the new Commission, the Commonwealth Health Secretary, the Commonwealth Revenue Commissioner, and the Commonwealth Public Health Commissioner, which would advise the commission on the different rules and regulations.
Question 5 would raise the commonwealth's tipped minimum wage of $6.75 an hour to meet the regular minimum wage in stages up to 2029. From there, it would be tied with standard minimum wage, but the measure would guarantee that people could still receive tips.
Question 2 would repeal the MCAS requirement for high school students to graduate. Currently, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessments System test is the commonwealth's standardised test of choice for all students in Grade 10, and they need to pass with a score of 472 for English Language Arts, 486 for Maths, and either 220 on a legacy Science and Technology/Engineering test or 467 for next-gen Biology or 470 for Introductory Physics. Maths and English students can pass with slightly lower scores as well as long as they pass a follow-up plan through their remaining time in high school. This measure would still require the test to be taken and the plans to be met if they don't pass in Grade 10, but it would no longer be a requirement for a high school diploma.
Question 3 would guarantee transportation network drivers for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft the right to organise and collectively bargain. A union would be certified if it gets at least 25% of all employee signatures, and the commonwealth would serve as mediator for all negotiations. Any collective bargaining agreements would have to be approved by a majority of drivers who've completed at least 100 rides in the previous quarter and the Labour Secretary, and they would last three years.
Question 4 would legalise medical psilocybin, mescaline, and related psychedelics in Massachusetts. It would be available for anyone over age 21 with a prescription or a doctor's note, and it would be taxed at 15%. Psychedelics would be regulated by a new Commonwealth Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission, which would make the necessary regulations. It would have five members: One appointed by the Governor with experience in psychedelic drug science and research, one by the Attorney General with experience in public safety, one by the Treasurer(who would also chair the Commission) with experience in finance or corporate management, and two to be chosen by majority vote of all three appointers. One would need experience in indigenous or natural usage of the drugs, and one with experience in industry management. It would also create an advisory board of 20 people, five appointed each by the Governor, the Treasurer, and the Attorney General(all with certain background requirements), and the remaining five consisting of the Commonwealth Police Colonel, the Chair of the new Commission, the Commonwealth Health Secretary, the Commonwealth Revenue Commissioner, and the Commonwealth Public Health Commissioner, which would advise the commission on the different rules and regulations.
Question 5 would raise the commonwealth's tipped minimum wage of $6.75 an hour to meet the regular minimum wage in stages up to 2029. From there, it would be tied with standard minimum wage, but the measure would guarantee that people could still receive tips.
Amendment 1 would allow the Lottery to continue to dedicate funds to the state's Environment and Natural Resources Fund until December 31, 2050. This commitment is currently set to expire in 2025. It would also allow the state to spend 7% of the fund's market value annually(up from the current 5.5% allowance) and allow the state to set up grants for environmental education, resource conservation, and addressing environmental issues in communities adversely affected by such issues.
On August 6, Missouri will vote on Amendment 1, which would exempt childcare properties from property taxes. If only part of a property is used for childcare, such as a corporate daycare, that part would be exempt. REJECTED
Also in August, Amendment 4 would allow the legislature to pass a law that would be effective until December 2026 that would require a city to increase funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners without compensation by the state and allow the legislature to go around a constitutional provision that otherwise requires such compensation. Only Kansas City has a police force that fits the amendment's criteria, and the amendment is seen as a response to KC cutting police funding. This was actually already passed in 2022, but the Missouri Supreme Court invalidated it on May 1, 2024, after it was proven that the fiscal note that came with it, which said it wouldn't lead to additional state or local costs, was inaccurate and that voters were, therefore, misled. It would, in fact, cost KC $39 million a year. This one will include a revised ballot note with the corrected amount. APPROVED
On to November. Amendment 2 would legalise sports betting in Missouri and allow it online, on mobile, at casinos, and at other allowed locations. All winnings from it would be taxed at 10%, and the money would go to the Missouri Gaming Commission first, then to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, and then to public education.
Amendment 3 would amend the constitution to include a right to reproductive freedom and allow the state to implement laws to infringe on that right only after foetal viability.
Amendment 5 would authorise a new casino licence for a riverboat casino along the Osage River from Bagnell Dam to where it meets the Missouri River, effectively giving the Lake of the Ozarks region their first casino.
Amendment 6 would allow the state to levy fees to pay for the salaries and pensions of county sheriffs and their deputies, prosecuting attorneys, and circuit attorneys.
Amendment 7 would say only a citizen can vote and would also explicitly ban RCV and Jungle Primaries in future elections.
Prop A would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026, and it would also require employers to provide an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked to a maximum of 40 hours a year for businesses with less than 15 employees and 56 hours a year for businesses with 16 or more. Businesses would be allowed to have higher maximum limits if they wish.
Also in August, Amendment 4 would allow the legislature to pass a law that would be effective until December 2026 that would require a city to increase funding for a police force established by a state board of police commissioners without compensation by the state and allow the legislature to go around a constitutional provision that otherwise requires such compensation. Only Kansas City has a police force that fits the amendment's criteria, and the amendment is seen as a response to KC cutting police funding. This was actually already passed in 2022, but the Missouri Supreme Court invalidated it on May 1, 2024, after it was proven that the fiscal note that came with it, which said it wouldn't lead to additional state or local costs, was inaccurate and that voters were, therefore, misled. It would, in fact, cost KC $39 million a year. This one will include a revised ballot note with the corrected amount. APPROVED
On to November. Amendment 2 would legalise sports betting in Missouri and allow it online, on mobile, at casinos, and at other allowed locations. All winnings from it would be taxed at 10%, and the money would go to the Missouri Gaming Commission first, then to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, and then to public education.
Amendment 3 would amend the constitution to include a right to reproductive freedom and allow the state to implement laws to infringe on that right only after foetal viability.
Amendment 5 would authorise a new casino licence for a riverboat casino along the Osage River from Bagnell Dam to where it meets the Missouri River, effectively giving the Lake of the Ozarks region their first casino.
Amendment 6 would allow the state to levy fees to pay for the salaries and pensions of county sheriffs and their deputies, prosecuting attorneys, and circuit attorneys.
Amendment 7 would say only a citizen can vote and would also explicitly ban RCV and Jungle Primaries in future elections.
Prop A would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026, and it would also require employers to provide an hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked to a maximum of 40 hours a year for businesses with less than 15 employees and 56 hours a year for businesses with 16 or more. Businesses would be allowed to have higher maximum limits if they wish.
CIs-126 and 127 are a two-part initiative that would effectively bring RCV, or at least a runoff election, to Montana. CI-126 would create a top-four jungle primary for all major state offices, legislative and executive, and congressional races. CI-127 would then require that the winner had to have a majority of votes rather than the current plurality requirement.
CI-128 would be an amendment that would require the state to guarantee the right to abortion up to the point of foetal viability except when needed to save the life of the Mother.
CI-128 would be an amendment that would require the state to guarantee the right to abortion up to the point of foetal viability except when needed to save the life of the Mother.
Initiatives 434 and 439 are dueling measures regarding abortion. Initiative 434 would ban abortions past the first trimestre unless necessary for the mother's health. This is already the law and would enshrine it in the state's constitution. Initiative 439, on the other hand, is an amendment that would guarantee a right to abortion until foetal viability.
Referendum 435 is a veto measure....actually it's a double-partial veto measure, let me explain. In 2023, the Unicameral passed LB 753, which provided tax breaks to parents who spent money on educational scholarships for their children. This effectively served as an indirect school voucher programme, which led to a huge outcry and an attempt tp veto it by veto measure. That measure actually appeared here earlier this year until it was struck down when the Unicameral repealed the law and replaced it with a new one, LB 1402, that created a more direct form of funding. $10 million was set aside to create a state scholarship programme to give money to parents who wanted to send their children to qualifying private schools. This measure would repeal most of LB 1402, leaving only the part that repealed LB 753 and eliminating the scholarship programme. A "No" vote would repeal the law.
Initiative 436 would require businesses to provide paid sick leave, up to 40 hours a year for businesses with 20 employees or less, and up to 56 hours a year for those with 21 employees or more.
Initiatives 437 and 438 would legalise medical marijuana in Nebraska. Initiative 437 is the legalisation mechanism itself and would allow anyone with a doctor's approval(or a doctor and their guardian if under 18 years old) to possess up to five grams of prescription marijuana. Caregivers would be allowed to help patients process and possess the right amount and any accessories that they may use. If it passes, Initiative 438 would be the regulation mechanism, officially repealing any an all penalties for the usage of medical marijuana and setting up the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that would have ful regulkatory power by October 1, 2025. It would have between three to five members with the three members of the state Liquor Control Commission serving as ex officio members, and the Governor having the right to appoint two more to six-year terms subject to Unicameral confirmation.
Referendum 435 is a veto measure....actually it's a double-partial veto measure, let me explain. In 2023, the Unicameral passed LB 753, which provided tax breaks to parents who spent money on educational scholarships for their children. This effectively served as an indirect school voucher programme, which led to a huge outcry and an attempt tp veto it by veto measure. That measure actually appeared here earlier this year until it was struck down when the Unicameral repealed the law and replaced it with a new one, LB 1402, that created a more direct form of funding. $10 million was set aside to create a state scholarship programme to give money to parents who wanted to send their children to qualifying private schools. This measure would repeal most of LB 1402, leaving only the part that repealed LB 753 and eliminating the scholarship programme. A "No" vote would repeal the law.
Initiative 436 would require businesses to provide paid sick leave, up to 40 hours a year for businesses with 20 employees or less, and up to 56 hours a year for those with 21 employees or more.
Initiatives 437 and 438 would legalise medical marijuana in Nebraska. Initiative 437 is the legalisation mechanism itself and would allow anyone with a doctor's approval(or a doctor and their guardian if under 18 years old) to possess up to five grams of prescription marijuana. Caregivers would be allowed to help patients process and possess the right amount and any accessories that they may use. If it passes, Initiative 438 would be the regulation mechanism, officially repealing any an all penalties for the usage of medical marijuana and setting up the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission that would have ful regulkatory power by October 1, 2025. It would have between three to five members with the three members of the state Liquor Control Commission serving as ex officio members, and the Governor having the right to appoint two more to six-year terms subject to Unicameral confirmation.
Question 1 would strip the Board of Regents from the state constitution and allow the state Legislature to change the structure of Nevada's university system.
Question 2 would update offensive language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or other disabilities.
Question 3 is an amendment would change the electoral system. Nevada would move to open primaries where the top five candidates would go to an RCV general. This measure would cover everything state and federal race save the Presidency, and it would require implementing legislation to be passed by July 1, 2025 at the latest. Since this is a citizens' measure, it has to pass twice. It already passed in 2022, so if it passes here, it'll be approved.
Question 4 would close the "convict loophole" in Nevada's constitution by banning slavery and involuntary servitude as punishments.
Question 5 would exempt child and adult diapers from sales taxes.
Question 6 would create a right to abortion in the Nevada Constitution, granting the state the right to regulate it after foetal viability except if it endangers the mother's life. This is an initiated amendment, so if it passes, it'll appear as Question 6 on the 2026 ballot where it'll have to be approved again.
Question 7 is an amendment that would require voter ID, either by photo ID when voting in person or by the last four numbers of a person's Social Security Number or Driver's Licence Number. This is another citizens measure, so if it passes, it'll appear as Question 7 in 2026.
Question 2 would update offensive language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or other disabilities.
Question 3 is an amendment would change the electoral system. Nevada would move to open primaries where the top five candidates would go to an RCV general. This measure would cover everything state and federal race save the Presidency, and it would require implementing legislation to be passed by July 1, 2025 at the latest. Since this is a citizens' measure, it has to pass twice. It already passed in 2022, so if it passes here, it'll be approved.
Question 4 would close the "convict loophole" in Nevada's constitution by banning slavery and involuntary servitude as punishments.
Question 5 would exempt child and adult diapers from sales taxes.
Question 6 would create a right to abortion in the Nevada Constitution, granting the state the right to regulate it after foetal viability except if it endangers the mother's life. This is an initiated amendment, so if it passes, it'll appear as Question 6 on the 2026 ballot where it'll have to be approved again.
Question 7 is an amendment that would require voter ID, either by photo ID when voting in person or by the last four numbers of a person's Social Security Number or Driver's Licence Number. This is another citizens measure, so if it passes, it'll appear as Question 7 in 2026.
New Hampshire is voting on an amendment that would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.
In New Hampshire, amendments require a two-thirds majority to be approved.
In New Hampshire, amendments require a two-thirds majority to be approved.
Constitutional Amendment 1 would extend the current property tax exemption for disabled veterans to all disabled veterans and their spouses/widows based on their disability rating. Currently, it's only available to those with a 100% rating.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would increase the property tax exemption for all veterans from $4,000 to $10,000 and adjust it to inflation each year.
Constitutional Amendment 3 would allow the dean of the University of New Mexico Law School to authorise a designee to serve as chair of state's Judicial Nomination Commission, which nominates and appoints Appellate Judges. This designee would have to be either a former dean, an associate dean, or a fellow active or retired faculty member.
Constitutional Amendment 4 would allow County Commissioner Boards to set the salaries of county officers, like County Clerk and so on, instead of the State Legislature as now. It would also clarify that any fees collected by a county go to the county treasury.
Constitutional Amendment 2 would increase the property tax exemption for all veterans from $4,000 to $10,000 and adjust it to inflation each year.
Constitutional Amendment 3 would allow the dean of the University of New Mexico Law School to authorise a designee to serve as chair of state's Judicial Nomination Commission, which nominates and appoints Appellate Judges. This designee would have to be either a former dean, an associate dean, or a fellow active or retired faculty member.
Constitutional Amendment 4 would allow County Commissioner Boards to set the salaries of county officers, like County Clerk and so on, instead of the State Legislature as now. It would also clarify that any fees collected by a county go to the county treasury.
New York doesn't normally make even-numbered year appearances, but they technically can do so with any measure they wish. In this case, Proposal 1 would add an Equal Protection Clause based on gender, race, age, disability, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status and outcomes, reproductive autonomy, and gender expression.
North Carolina will vote to amend their constitution to say only a citizen can vote.
First, a measure to be voted on June 11. Initiated Measure 1 would impose a maximum age limit on anyone serving in the US Congress. If it passes, people would no longer be allowed to serve in Congress if they reach the age of 81 by December 31 of the year before their term ends. If a court blocks enforcement of the age limit, then those candidates would be forbidden from being on the ballot, and if a court strikes that down, then the ballot would be required to show what age they would be at the end of their next term. It also gives standing to any elector to enforce the article and standing to the court on whether or not it is constitutional, but it also requires the State Attorney General to defend the measure in court. APPROVED
On to November. Constitutional Measure 1 would update language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or physical and mental disability.
Constitutional Measure 2 would make changes for citizen initiatives. First, it would add a single-subject rule for all measures up for a vote. Second, it would raise the signature threshold for constitutional questions from 4% of all state residents to 5%. Third, it would require such measure to be approved twice, first at the June primary and again in November.
Constitutional Measure 3 would cut how much could be spent from the state's Legacy Fund, which is a fund that receives 30% of all revenue from oil and gas production. Instead of 15% of the fund over two years, the state could only spend 5% over that period. In addition, the state would have to set a part of the fund aside to a new Legacy Earnings Fund instead of moving it to the General Fund like they do now.
Initiated Measure 4 is an amendment that would prohibit all property taxes except those meant to pay off bond debts.
Initiated Measure 5 would legalise marijuana in North Dakota. People could have up to an ounce of pure marijuana leaf, four grams of concentrate, or 300 milligrams of edibles. They could also grow three plants per person with a household limit of six plants. The state would be required to create the necessary regulation by July of 2025, and it would be allowed to licence up to seven cultivation facilities and 18 dispensaries.
On to November. Constitutional Measure 1 would update language in the constitution concerning people with mental illness or physical and mental disability.
Constitutional Measure 2 would make changes for citizen initiatives. First, it would add a single-subject rule for all measures up for a vote. Second, it would raise the signature threshold for constitutional questions from 4% of all state residents to 5%. Third, it would require such measure to be approved twice, first at the June primary and again in November.
Constitutional Measure 3 would cut how much could be spent from the state's Legacy Fund, which is a fund that receives 30% of all revenue from oil and gas production. Instead of 15% of the fund over two years, the state could only spend 5% over that period. In addition, the state would have to set a part of the fund aside to a new Legacy Earnings Fund instead of moving it to the General Fund like they do now.
Initiated Measure 4 is an amendment that would prohibit all property taxes except those meant to pay off bond debts.
Initiated Measure 5 would legalise marijuana in North Dakota. People could have up to an ounce of pure marijuana leaf, four grams of concentrate, or 300 milligrams of edibles. They could also grow three plants per person with a household limit of six plants. The state would be required to create the necessary regulation by July of 2025, and it would be allowed to licence up to seven cultivation facilities and 18 dispensaries.
Issue 1 would replace the current state Redistricting Commission with a new citizens redistricting commission. It would be made up of 15 members, five independents and five from each of the two largest parties in the state as determined by the latest gubernatorial election before redistricting time. These would be selected by a commission of nine people equally divided by party.
SQ 833 would amend the constitution to allow the creation of public infrastructure districts, which would be allowed to issue bonds for public improvements within their borders. They would be created by a municipality if that city or town receives a petition signed by all the property owners that would be in the new district.
SQ 834 would amend the constitution to say only a citizen could vote.
SQ 834 would amend the constitution to say only a citizen could vote.
Oregon, alone in the United States, does not have any mechanism to impeach their elected executives. Measure 115 would change that and allow the Legislature to impeach the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, and Commissioner of Labour and Industries. it would take a two-thirds vote of the House to impeach an individual and a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict them.
Measure 116 would create(or technically recreate) the Independent Public Service Compensation Commission. This commission would set salaries for nearly all major elected officials from the Governor to Supreme Court Justices to legislators. This is actually Oregon's third attempt at a commission like this as two previous commissions(one in 1983 and another in 2007)were basically left to wither on the vine after losing their funding to continue.
Measure 117 would introduce RCV to Oregon. This would take effect in 2028, and unlike other states that have implemented it, there would be no jungle primaries. Standard partisan primaries would just be required to have RCV ballots. Also, unlike other states, Oregon would even use it for Presidential ballots with the state's electoral votes going to the majority winner. If however, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact ever comes into effect, they would hand their electors off according to the compact while still showing their final round votes.
Measure 118 would raise corporate income taxes by 3% on all corporations making over $25 million in sales within the state and eliminate the current minimum corporate tax cap of $100,000 for all companies that make over $100 million. The money gathered from this tax increase would be given to the people annually in what would be called The Oregon Rebate, and everyone who's lived in Oregon for more than 200 days is eligible for a cheque. The state would replace any lost federal benefits that may ensure from the tax increase, and the annual cheque would not alter anyone's welfare benefit qualifications. Cheques would not be issued if the Oregon Rebate would equal less than $25 per resident, and the state would be required to verify eligible residents.
Measure 119 would require all cannabis businesses in the state to submit a signed labour peace agreement between the business and a union with their licencing or renewal applications to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Labour peace agreements mean that the business would remain strictly neutral if a union comes along to launch an organising drive.
Measure 116 would create(or technically recreate) the Independent Public Service Compensation Commission. This commission would set salaries for nearly all major elected officials from the Governor to Supreme Court Justices to legislators. This is actually Oregon's third attempt at a commission like this as two previous commissions(one in 1983 and another in 2007)were basically left to wither on the vine after losing their funding to continue.
Measure 117 would introduce RCV to Oregon. This would take effect in 2028, and unlike other states that have implemented it, there would be no jungle primaries. Standard partisan primaries would just be required to have RCV ballots. Also, unlike other states, Oregon would even use it for Presidential ballots with the state's electoral votes going to the majority winner. If however, the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact ever comes into effect, they would hand their electors off according to the compact while still showing their final round votes.
Measure 118 would raise corporate income taxes by 3% on all corporations making over $25 million in sales within the state and eliminate the current minimum corporate tax cap of $100,000 for all companies that make over $100 million. The money gathered from this tax increase would be given to the people annually in what would be called The Oregon Rebate, and everyone who's lived in Oregon for more than 200 days is eligible for a cheque. The state would replace any lost federal benefits that may ensure from the tax increase, and the annual cheque would not alter anyone's welfare benefit qualifications. Cheques would not be issued if the Oregon Rebate would equal less than $25 per resident, and the state would be required to verify eligible residents.
Measure 119 would require all cannabis businesses in the state to submit a signed labour peace agreement between the business and a union with their licencing or renewal applications to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. Labour peace agreements mean that the business would remain strictly neutral if a union comes along to launch an organising drive.
Puerto Rico will be voting on the Status Question for the seventh time in a non-binding referendum. This time, the current Commonwealth will not be included as an option, only independence, statehood, or independence with free association a la Palau/Micronesia/Marshall Islands.
As they must every 10 years, Rhode Island will be voting on whether or not to have a Constitutional Convention.
An amendment up for a vote would say that only citizens can vote in elections.
Constitutional Amendment E would update all language in the constitution to be gender-neutral in nature.
Constitutional Amendment F would allow the Legislature to impose work requirements for Medicaid for anyone who isn't diagnosed as physically or mentally disabled.
Constitutional Amendment G would legalise abortion in South Dakota. It would be forbidden to regulate during the first trimester, regulations in the second trimester “must be reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman," and it could be restricted in the third except when a doctor considers it necessary to protect a woman's life or health.
Constitutional Amendment H would create a Top-Two Jungle Primary system for South Dakota. This would apply to the Governorship, state offices, state legislators, county offices, and federal offices except for the Presidency.
Initiated Measure 28 would prohibit state sales taxes on all goods fit for human consumption except for alcoholic beverages and prepared meals. Municipalities and counties could still impose their own sales taxes on these items.
Initiated Measure 29 would legalise marijuana in South Dakota. People could possess up to two ounces of marijuana, 16 grams of concentrated marijuana, other cannabis products containing up to 1600 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol, and they could grow up to six plants provided they're kept in a locked and secure location.
Referred Law 21 is a veto measure, as are all measure called Referred Laws in South Dakota. In late 2023, the Legislature passed SB 201, which was passed in response to the proposed construction of a carbon dioxide pipeline running from Iowa ethanol plants through South Dakota to a carbon-capture storage facility in North Dakota. This actually led to such an outcry over private property rights that 11 Republican legislators were primaried out as a direct result of this law earlier this year. The bill allows counties to charge a surcharge of up to $1 per linear foot of pipeline, with at least half the proceeds of that meant to go to property tax relief. Pipelines also have to be buried at least four feet underground, the pipeline companies must provide agricultural impact mitigation plans, public disclosure of pipe gauging is required to allow the public to see the effects of a pipe rupture, the pipeline company's land agent must be from within South Dakota, and the pipeline company would be solely responsible for paying any damages related to pipeline damage. Most importantly, the law says that official construction approval from the Public Utilities Commission would automatically override county and local Setback Laws, the laws that require pipelines to be a minimum distance away from other features like buildings, lakes, parks, etc. A lot of people didn't like seeing these setback laws swept aside, so they got this measure on the ballot. A Yes vote would see the law upheld.
Constitutional Amendment F would allow the Legislature to impose work requirements for Medicaid for anyone who isn't diagnosed as physically or mentally disabled.
Constitutional Amendment G would legalise abortion in South Dakota. It would be forbidden to regulate during the first trimester, regulations in the second trimester “must be reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman," and it could be restricted in the third except when a doctor considers it necessary to protect a woman's life or health.
Constitutional Amendment H would create a Top-Two Jungle Primary system for South Dakota. This would apply to the Governorship, state offices, state legislators, county offices, and federal offices except for the Presidency.
Initiated Measure 28 would prohibit state sales taxes on all goods fit for human consumption except for alcoholic beverages and prepared meals. Municipalities and counties could still impose their own sales taxes on these items.
Initiated Measure 29 would legalise marijuana in South Dakota. People could possess up to two ounces of marijuana, 16 grams of concentrated marijuana, other cannabis products containing up to 1600 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol, and they could grow up to six plants provided they're kept in a locked and secure location.
Referred Law 21 is a veto measure, as are all measure called Referred Laws in South Dakota. In late 2023, the Legislature passed SB 201, which was passed in response to the proposed construction of a carbon dioxide pipeline running from Iowa ethanol plants through South Dakota to a carbon-capture storage facility in North Dakota. This actually led to such an outcry over private property rights that 11 Republican legislators were primaried out as a direct result of this law earlier this year. The bill allows counties to charge a surcharge of up to $1 per linear foot of pipeline, with at least half the proceeds of that meant to go to property tax relief. Pipelines also have to be buried at least four feet underground, the pipeline companies must provide agricultural impact mitigation plans, public disclosure of pipe gauging is required to allow the public to see the effects of a pipe rupture, the pipeline company's land agent must be from within South Dakota, and the pipeline company would be solely responsible for paying any damages related to pipeline damage. Most importantly, the law says that official construction approval from the Public Utilities Commission would automatically override county and local Setback Laws, the laws that require pipelines to be a minimum distance away from other features like buildings, lakes, parks, etc. A lot of people didn't like seeing these setback laws swept aside, so they got this measure on the ballot. A Yes vote would see the law upheld.
Amendment A would require property and income taxes to fund public education that uses a portion of the Uniform School Fund and provides for a budgetary stabilisation account and allows the state to use such revenue for other purposes after all educational purposes are met, something that is not currently allowed.
Amendment B would increase the amount of money that can be spent on public education from the State School Fund from 4% annually to 5%.
Amendment C would require all counties to have sheriffs that would be elected every four years. Since all 29 counties already do this, this is effectively a formality.
Amendment B would increase the amount of money that can be spent on public education from the State School Fund from 4% annually to 5%.
Amendment C would require all counties to have sheriffs that would be elected every four years. Since all 29 counties already do this, this is effectively a formality.
Virginia's voting on an amendment that would change the language involving property tax exemptions for veterans and their surviving spouses. "Killed in Action" would be replaced by "Died in the Line of Duty," wherever it appears.
Initiative 2066 would prohibit state and local authorities from imposing any ban on the use of natural gas as an energy source. It would also prohibit the state building code council from discouraging or penalising the use of natural gas in any building, require natural gas providers to provide natural gas as an option even if other energy sources are available, and prohibit the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission from implementing any plan or incentive that would either phase out natural gas usage or make natural gas cost prohibitive.
Initiative 2109 would repeal the state's 7% capital gains tax on all stock sales for people with capital assets of over $250,000, which was passed in 2021.
Initiative 2117 would repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act(passed in 2021). This law requires all businesses that produce more than 25,000 metric tonnes of CO2 to purchase allowances every quarter from the State Ecology Department. They can sell any excess allowances to other companies, and emissions-intensive, trade-exposed companies(including Boeing) can get a certain amount of allowances free until 2034. I-2117 would also forbid any future cap-and-trade or cap-and-tax programmes meant to reduce or offset carbon emissions.
Initiative 2124 would allow individuals to opt in and out of the WA Cares fund, a state-run fund created in 2019 that's the first state fund for long-term health care insurance(extended hospital stays, nursing home care, etc). It's funded by a payroll tax, and I-2124 would make it so employees would have to opt in to have the tax taken off their paycheques.
Initiative 2109 would repeal the state's 7% capital gains tax on all stock sales for people with capital assets of over $250,000, which was passed in 2021.
Initiative 2117 would repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act(passed in 2021). This law requires all businesses that produce more than 25,000 metric tonnes of CO2 to purchase allowances every quarter from the State Ecology Department. They can sell any excess allowances to other companies, and emissions-intensive, trade-exposed companies(including Boeing) can get a certain amount of allowances free until 2034. I-2117 would also forbid any future cap-and-trade or cap-and-tax programmes meant to reduce or offset carbon emissions.
Initiative 2124 would allow individuals to opt in and out of the WA Cares fund, a state-run fund created in 2019 that's the first state fund for long-term health care insurance(extended hospital stays, nursing home care, etc). It's funded by a payroll tax, and I-2124 would make it so employees would have to opt in to have the tax taken off their paycheques.
Amendment 1 would constitutionally ban euthanasia and medically-assisted suicide in West Virginia.
First, there are measures being voted on on April 2. Question 1 is an amendment that would prohibit any government from accepting non-governmental funds or assistance for administering elections.
Question 2 would require that only election officials designated by law could administer elections.' BOTH APPROVED
On to August 13, where Question 1 would prohibit the legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money.
Question 2 would require the legislature to pass a joint resolution before the Governor could spend Federal money appropriated to the State. BOTH REJECTED
On to November, where Question 1 would say that only a citizen could vote.
Question 2 would require that only election officials designated by law could administer elections.' BOTH APPROVED
On to August 13, where Question 1 would prohibit the legislature from delegating its power to appropriate money.
Question 2 would require the legislature to pass a joint resolution before the Governor could spend Federal money appropriated to the State. BOTH REJECTED
On to November, where Question 1 would say that only a citizen could vote.
Amendment A would create residential real property as a new separate category for taxation purposes and allow the creation of a separate subcategory of owner-occupied primary residences, which could be taxed at a different rate from other real estate.
