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On November 5, 2024, voters across nine states are casting their ballots on measures that could significantly shape abortion rights. These initiatives come in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had previously guaranteed federal protections for abortion access.
In states like Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, voters are considering amendments that could reverse existing bans or restrictions affecting over 7 million women of reproductive age. For instance, Florida’s Amendment 4 aims to override a six-week abortion ban and enshrine the right to abortion until viability into the state constitution. The amendment requires at least 60% approval to pass. Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Florida’s current ban, stating, “We need more than six weeks,” although he later clarified his position by saying he would vote “no” on the ballot measure.
Missouri is also facing a pivotal moment with Amendment 3, which seeks to establish a constitutional right to reproductive freedom. This initiative would allow the state to restrict or ban abortions after fetal viability, typically between 22 and 24 weeks, except when necessary to protect the health of the mother.
Nebraska presents a unique scenario with two conflicting measures: one that would secure the right to abortion until viability and another that would maintain existing restrictions after 12 weeks. Voters will have to choose between these dueling initiatives, with the measure receiving the higher vote count taking precedence.
In Arizona, advocates are pushing for a measure that would guarantee abortion access until fetal viability. This comes after a state Supreme Court ruling allowed for enforcement of an outdated ban from 1864, which has spurred increased momentum for change.
In Democratic-led states such as Colorado and Maryland, ballot measures aim to solidify existing abortion rights within their constitutions. Colorado’s proposal requires 55% voter approval and seeks to prevent any governmental interference with an individual’s right to abortion.
The outcomes of these ballot measures are expected to influence voter turnout significantly in various elections beyond just reproductive rights. The political landscape surrounding these issues is complex, with state governments playing crucial roles in shaping laws and policies related to abortion access.
Results from these elections will begin to be reported after polls close at 8 PM ET in key states like Florida and Missouri. However, comprehensive results may take several days to finalize as counting continues.
Sources:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/nov/05/abortion-ballot-results-tracker-ban-states
[3] https://www.newyorker.com/live/news/election-2024/live-updates-president-senate-house-governors-races
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/states-abortion-laws-ballot-2024/
[5] https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/abortion-ballot-states-motivating-voters-us-115500852
[6] https://fortune.com/2024/11/05/downballot-races-to-watch-election-night-abortion-on-the-ballot/
[7] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/missouri-ballot-measures
[8] https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/05/abortion-ballot-measure-results-what-to-watch-for-in-florida-arizona-and-8-others/
[9] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/ballot-measures
[10] https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/abortion-campaign-spending-election-2024
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