Abortion, Marijuana, Slavery: 11 Themes to 2022 Ballot Measures

Ballot measures related to abortion, marijuana, and slavery are among a diverse array of issues that voters in 37 states will decide at the polls this fall.

Taxes, infrastructure bonds, crime, minimum wage, elections, and the structure of state governments are also among common themes on Nov. 8 ballots nationwide.

An expected flurry of measures related to sports betting and ranked voting failed to qualify for the midterm elections, and there are relatively few related to firearms and Medicaid expansion, which have been common ballot issues over the past decade.

Five abortion-related measures, five that seek to legalize recreational marijuana, and four formally banning slavery as punishment are among 129 proposed constitutional amendments to be decided.

Voters in four states have already cast ballots on five proposals in 2022, with Louisianans to see three in a Dec. 10 special election.

Of the 37 states with proposals on Nov. 8 ballots, voters in 14 will see at least four.

Alabama’s and Colorado’s ballots both have 11 proposals, while 10 will go before Arizonans. Eight proposals are on tap in Louisiana—with the three extra being set for December—and seven are certified for the polls in California.

Iowans will see a “Right to Keep and Bear Arms Amendment,” Californians will decide on a proposed “flavored tobacco products ban,” Alabamans will see a “Broadband Internet Infrastructure Funding Amendment,” and Nevadans will decide on a request to become the third state to adopt a total “Top-Five Ranked Choice Voting” system.

South Dakotans will see a proposed Medicaid expansion initiative, Oregon voters will see a “Right to Healthcare Amendment,” and Massachusetts residents will be asked if they want to “remove proof of citizenship or immigration status” when applying for a driver’s license.

Here’s a roundup of 11 prominent Nov. 8 ballot measure themes:

Abortion

On Nov. 8,

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