On November 3, various non-congressional elections and referendums took place across the United States, drawing significant attention in addition to Congressional elections. The referendum topics tackled crucial issues such as abortion rights, gun control, election systems, congressional redistricting, criminal justice, and transgender policies.
In the race for the governorship, billionaire Republican Rick Jackson is battling against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta. This election is pivotal, as the winner will succeed the current governor, Brian Kemp, who is unable to run again due to term limits.
In another governor’s race, Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand aims to reclaim the governorship for his party against Republican agricultural entrepreneur Zach Lahn. The victorious candidate will take over from Kim Reynolds, the current governor who has chosen not to seek a third term.
Incumbent Republican Governor Joe Lombardo is running for re-election against Democrat Aaron Ford, the Nevada Attorney General. The stakes are high in this contest, as both candidates have strong political backgrounds.
In Ohio, Republican entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy faces off against Democrat Amy Acton, a former state health director. The newly elected official will replace Governor Mike DeWine, who is also stepping down due to term limits.
Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs is defending her position against Republican Congressman Andy Biggs in a competitive race that showcases differing visions for the state’s future.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, Republican Congressman John James is vying to reclaim the governorship from Democrat Jocelyn Benson, the current Secretary of State. This election is particularly significant as it follows the term limits imposed on outgoing Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
In a closely watched Senate race, Republican Senate President Ty Masterson is competing against Democratic State Senator Cindy Holscher.
Voters are weighing in on whether to pass state legislation that would empower individuals with abortion decision-making rights, including provisions that allow abortions before the fetus reaches viability.
Currently, Idaho has a near-total ban on abortions, permitting them only under specific circumstances such as threats to the mother’s life or in cases of rape and incest.
Electorate decisions include whether to repeal a constitutional amendment passed in 2024 that safeguards abortion rights. If this amendment is upheld, abortions would be restricted after 12 weeks of pregnancy, barring exceptional circumstances.
Another proposed measure would restrict gender-affirming surgeries for transgender individuals under the age of 18, tightening regulations in a contentious area of public policy.
A referendum proposal is set to determine whether abortion rights will be enshrined in the state constitution, with provisions for terminating pregnancies before viability and under circumstances endangering the health of the mother or fetus.
Currently, Nevada permits abortions up to 24 weeks into the pregnancy. Voters are tasked with establishing constitutional protections that would uphold abortion rights, thereby allowing procedures prior to the end of the third trimester.
In Virginia, abortions are allowed up to 26 weeks and 6 days into pregnancy. This referendum will decide if voters support the explicit inclusion of abortion rights within the state constitution.
Additionally, voters will determine if there will be a constitutional amendment asserting that the right to bear arms is a “natural, essential, and personal right” that cannot be infringed upon.
Arkansas has already made significant changes to gun laws, such as allowing individuals over the age of 21 to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit from the state.
Voters will also face a decision on whether to designate a specific handgun as the official firearm representative of Idaho. Moreover, there will be a critical vote on whether to abolish the ranked-choice voting system adopted in 2020, potentially reinstating a more traditional voting method.
Another important issue at hand is whether to pass an amendment stipulating that only U.S. citizens can participate in voting. Federal laws currently prohibit non-citizens from voting in federal elections.
Voters are also being asked to weigh in on expanding photo identification requirements, which would mandate that in-person voters present a government-issued ID, while mail-in voters provide the last four digits of their Social Security Number.
Currently, Ohio has enacted legislation requiring voters to present a photo ID, and there is a proposal on the table to reinforce this requirement further, ensuring that only citizens can vote in elections.
Additionally, there are discussions regarding the restoration of voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies upon their release from incarceration, as well as whether to empower the state legislature to redraw congressional district lines.
This proposal aims to amend the state’s constitution to clarify that existing district division requirements will exclusively apply to state legislative districts, removing their influence over congressional districts.
Voters will also consider a referendum to eliminate the federal congressional district map created by state Republicans, potentially altering the landscape of future elections.
In a bid to minimize partisan influence in district redistricting, an amendment will be put forth that would increase the difficulty of altering congressional district maps outside of specified years, ensuring that such changes do not unfairly benefit any political party.
Among other proposals, a constitutional amendment would command law enforcement agencies to notify the Department of Homeland Security when individuals face charges related to violent crimes or possess felony records, especially if their immigration status is uncertain.
Furthermore, legal proposals under consideration include amplifying penalties for crimes connected to fentanyl, mandating treatment for individuals convicted of specific drug offenses, and restricting sentence exceptions in cases of fentanyl-related deaths.
Lastly, voters will deliberate whether to require public schools and universities to categorize athletic competitions based on biological sex, limiting participation for those identifying as transgender in related events. Additionally, there is a proposal to prohibit medical providers from performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors.
These diverse issues highlight a complex landscape of policy decisions facing voters, reflecting the significant range of topics that will shape the political climate in the months and years ahead.