2024 Ballot Measure Results: Including Abortion, Minimum Wage, and Marijuana
Ask students: Who are the different individuals and groups involved in ballot measures before they are passed and after the results come out?
In a handful of states, voters weighed in on reproductive rights two years after Roe was overturned. In seven of them, voters expanded or protected the right to an abortion. But in three states, abortion bans will remain in place.
About a half-dozen states weighed the legalization of marijuana for either recreational or medical use. About two dozen measures were focused on future elections, including several specifically barring noncitizens from voting. Other state measures affect wages, taxes, housing and education. See the "For More" section below to learn more about these ballot initiatives.
Key Term
ballot initiative — a direct vote by the electorate on a proposal, issue or law
Discussion Questions
- What states voted to overturn abortion bans? Which states voted to keep abortion bans in place?
- Who are the different individuals and groups involved in ballot measures before they are passed and after the results come out?
- How does the process work when it comes to challenging laws or ballot initiatives that have been passed?
- When was Roe v. Wade overturned?
- Why might the ballot measure that passed in Missouri be challenged in court?
Focus Questions
- While abortion was on the ballot in several states, there were also many other ballot measures. Do you think ballot measures are a positive aspect of voting and democracy? Explain.
- Media literacy: What additional questions would you have liked to ask the guest?
Extension Activity
Click here to see ballot initiative results in your state.
To dig deeper into ballot initiatives in election 2024, choose one of the following articles to read:
- Voters face dozens of ballot measures affecting life, death, taxes and more
- Marijuana legalization fails in Florida as numerous states approve citizen voting amendments to learn more
- California voters pass initiative to make some shoplifting and drug offenses felonies
- US state ballot proposals on minimum wage hikes face mixed results
2024 Election Lesson Plans and Resources
Explore our election resources to engage your students in learning about the election process and its significance at every level. Discover lessons on election fundamentals, laws, security, current events, youth involvement, and historic U.S. elections.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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