A high-stakes campaign aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in Florida was unsuccessful on Tuesday, marking a setback in the state’s cannabis reform efforts. Meanwhile, voters in numerous other states tackled over 140 ballot measures on a wide range of issues, from immigration and crime to taxes and education, alongside key presidential and state office races.
In Florida, voters were tasked with deciding whether to approve a marijuana measure that would have permitted recreational marijuana sales to adults over the age of 21, using existing medical marijuana dispensaries as a distribution channel. However, the initiative failed to achieve the 60% supermajority required for constitutional amendments.
This proposed law, which was largely bankrolled by Florida’s largest medical marijuana provider, Trulieve, saw nearly $145 million funneled into its campaign—accounting for nearly all of its $153 million budget by October’s end. The opposition, which included the Florida Republican Party and Governor Ron DeSantis, voiced concerns over quality-of-life impacts, specifically mentioning potential negative effects such as “a marijuana stench in the air.”
In other states, measures for recreational marijuana faced similar challenges. Both North Dakota and South Dakota reported lower-than-anticipated support, marking the third time voters in these states have had the opportunity to vote on the issue. While recreational use faced resistance, Nebraska voters approved legislation for medical marijuana regulation, further expanding the legal footprint for cannabis use in the U.S.
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Citizen Voting Rights
Voters in eight states overwhelmingly passed amendments clarifying that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. These constitutional amendments were approved in Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin—all states where the measures were placed on the ballot by Republican-majority legislatures. Although federal law already prohibits noncitizens from participating in federal elections, proponents of these amendments argued that additional protections were necessary, particularly amid concerns about immigration and the potential for noncitizens to be mistakenly registered to vote.
Noncitizen voting is relatively rare, but instances have been reported in local elections in a few municipalities across California, Maryland, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.
Crime and Immigration Policies
In California, voters opted for tougher crime policies with new laws targeting repeat offenders and drug-related crimes. A measure passed Tuesday reclassified certain repeat shoplifting offenses as felonies and increased penalties for drug crimes involving fentanyl. This move partially reverses some components of a 2014 law that downgraded specific nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors.
Arizona took a significant step on immigration with a new measure that criminalizes illegal entry at non-official border entry points, allowing state and local law enforcement to arrest violators. The measure also targets individuals who use fraudulent documents to claim public benefits, although enforcement is delayed until a similar law remains in effect for at least 60 consecutive days in another state, such as Texas.
Climate, School Choice, and Other Key Issues
In Washington, voters upheld a law designed to reduce carbon emissions by requiring major polluters to purchase “allowances” under a cap-and-trade system. This policy, which echoes California’s approach, marks Washington as one of the few states actively pursuing stringent climate policies.
School choice saw setbacks in Kentucky and Nebraska, where voters opposed measures that would have enabled public funding for private school tuition. These defeats underscore a cautious approach toward redirecting state funds toward private educational institutions.
Sports Betting and Tax Proposals
Colorado voters approved a measure that allows the state to retain sports betting revenue above the original $29 million cap. Missouri voters, meanwhile, deliberated on legalizing sports betting, which has already gained momentum across 38 states and Washington, D.C., since a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018.
In tax-related measures, North Dakota voters rejected a proposal that would have eliminated most property taxes, a move estimated to potentially reduce state revenue by over $3 billion biennially. Oregon voters opposed increasing the minimum tax on large corporations, while South Dakota voters opted to retain their state’s grocery sales tax.
Voting Methods and Electoral Reform
Connecticut voters joined the majority of states allowing no-excuse absentee voting. Ranked choice voting, however, saw mixed results: Washington, D.C., voters approved it, while Oregon and Missouri took opposing stances, with Missouri outright banning the method. Other states like Idaho, Nevada, and South Dakota also turned down various open primary and ranked choice voting measures, highlighting the nuanced perspectives voters hold on electoral reform.
Minimum Wage Legislation
Voters in Missouri backed a proposal to incrementally raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour while mandating paid sick leave for employees. In Arizona, a measure to allow lower base pay for tipped workers was rejected, ensuring they continue to receive a minimum wage that does not heavily depend on gratuities. Nebraska also passed a law mandating sick leave without adjusting wage standards, signaling a mixed stance on wage reform across the country.
Mixed Results Across State Ballot Measures
Tuesday’s election results reveal a divided yet evolving landscape in U.S. state policies, reflecting varied voter priorities on issues such as marijuana legalization, citizen voting rights, and crime policy. While some states embraced progressive changes in areas like climate and minimum wage, others opted for more conservative approaches on education funding and tax structures. These mixed outcomes highlight the diversity of public opinion as states continue to shape their laws in response to shifting societal challenges.
