Voters across the country are deciding more than candidates on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Associated Press counts 145 proposed laws and constitutional amendments on ballots nationwide, and several could change how future elections work. Results were not in when this story was published.
Abortion is one of the biggest fights. In Missouri, a measure would repeal the abortion-rights amendment voters approved in 2024 and replace it with a ban that includes some exceptions. In Idaho and Nevada, measures would block abortion bans before fetal viability. Nevada voters already approved theirs once but must do so a second time. A Virginia amendment would allow abortion for the first two trimesters.
Redistricting is also on the ballot. Missouri voters are deciding a referendum on the state's new U.S. House districts, which would be used starting in 2028. Maryland has a redistricting amendment, and Colorado has a citizen initiative on the subject. Nine states are already using new districts in this year's elections.
Voter ID is another theme. Citizen-led measures in California, Colorado and Nevada would require government-issued identification to vote. North Carolina and Ohio would write their existing ID rules into their state constitutions. Six states, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, South Dakota and West Virginia, would reinforce that only U.S. citizens can vote. Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Washington have measures dealing with transgender issues.
Tennessee voters have their own decisions to make. There are three proposed amendments to the state constitution. Amendment 1 would expand the list of offenses for which a defendant can be denied bail. Amendment 2 would prohibit a state property tax. Amendment 3 would expand the rights of crime victims.
Official results take time, and every vote must be counted and certified before races are final.
Sources: Associated Press, PBS News, WBBJ