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The
measures were among at least 124 statutory and constitutional
questions put to voters this year in 32 U.S. states and the
District of Columbia, according to the National Conference of
State Legislatures (NCSL).
Here are some of the key results and projections from the
ballots, which covered topics such as elections, abortion rights
and taxes:
MARIJUANA
While voters in New Jersey and Arizona approved measures to
legalize marijuana for recreational use, South Dakota was poised
to allow the drug for both medical and recreational use: Its
ballot measure that appeared headed to victory with 90 percent
of precincts counted. A proposition legalizing medical marijuana
also appeared headed for victory in Mississippi.
Since 1996, 33 other states and the District of Columbia have
allowed medical marijuana, 11 had previously approved its
recreational use and 16, including some medical marijuana
states, have decriminalized simple possession, according to the
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
PSILOCYBIN, AKA MAGIC MUSHROOMSPsilocybin, a hallucinogen also
known in its raw form as magic mushrooms, was approved by Oregon
voters for therapeutic use for adults. Backers of the Psilocybin
Services Act cited research showing benefits of the drug as a
treatment for anxiety disorders and other mental health
conditions. The measure will set a schedule to further consider
the matter and create a regulatory structure for it.
In a related measure, Washington, D.C., voters approved
Initiative 81, which directs police to rank "entheogenic plants
and fungi," including psilocybin and mescaline, among its lowest
enforcement priorities.
MINIMUM WAGE Voters in Florida approved a measure to amend the
state constitution to gradually increase its $8.56 per hour
minimum wage to $15 by Sept. 30, 2026.
CALIFORNIA GIG WORKERS California voters approved a measure that
would exempt ride-share and delivery drivers from a state law
that makes them employees, not contractors, according to Edison
Research. The measure, Proposition 22, is the first gig-economy
question to go before statewide voters in a campaign. Backers,
including Uber Technologies Inc <UBER.N> and Lyft Inc <LYFT.O>,
spent more than $190 million on their campaign, making the
year's costliest ballot measure, according to Ballotpedia.
ABORTION
Colorado voters rejected a measure to ban abortions, except
those needed to save the life of the mother, after 22 weeks of
pregnancy.
ELECTIONS
California approved a measure to restore the right to vote to
parolees convicted of felonies.
TAXES
In California, a proposal to roll back a portion of the state's
landmark Proposition 13 law limiting property taxes was too
close to call Tuesday night. The measure, Proposition 15 on the
state's 2020 ballot, would leave in place protections for
residential properties, but raise taxes on commercial properties
worth more than $3 million. With about 80% of precincts
partially reporting at 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time, the measure was
slightly behind, with 51.5% of voters opposed to it and 48.5% in
favor.
(Reporting by Peter Szekely in New York and Sharon Bernstein in
Sacramento; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Philippa Fletcher)
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