Elections, Taxes, Transgender Policy, and More: The November Ballot Measures to Watch

KEY POINTS FROM THIS ARTICLE

— In November, 39 states will have at least one measure on the ballot for voters to consider, and many have multiple measures.

— The top issues this year will include elections and redistricting, along with taxes and transgender policy.

— Some issues that have been big in previous cycles will be relatively muted in November, notably abortion rights.

Direct democracy in 2026

Once again this year, voters in most states will face at least one question—and in many cases, multiple questions—on their November ballot.

Overall, 39 states will present their voters with ballot measures, a mix of proposals that have made their way to the ballot either by being placed by legislators or by citizens following signature-gathering efforts. The total number of ballot measures is broadly in line with recent patterns, according to Ballotpedia.

The top ballot measure issues this year will include elections and redistricting, along with taxes and transgender policy.

Some of the election measures flow from President Donald Trump’s accusations of rigged voting, which have been widely debunked. For instance, six states will vote on whether to ban noncitizens from voting—a symbolic action, because noncitizens are already banned from voting for federal office. Six states will also vote on tightening voter identification requirements.

Alaska will vote—again—on whether to keep its top-four, ranked choice voting system, while Massachusetts voters will consider whether to enact a top-two, “jungle” primary format. Massachusetts will also consider implementing same-day voter registration.

Meanwhile, Missouri and Maryland will hold votes in November that could guide redistricting for the 2028 election cycle.

As is often the case, some of the biggest issues on the ballot concern taxes.

Some of these measures would impose new taxes on the wealthy. California voters will consider a one-time, 5% wealth tax on those with holdings over $1 billion, while a Colorado measure would establish a state income tax. A range of other measures would roll back taxation, including the proposed repeal of a Washington state millionaire’s tax.

The biggest social issue on voters’ ballots in November won’t be abortion, which had been a leading ballot measure topic in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Instead, this year, it’s transgender policy.

Missouri and Colorado will vote on whether to allow gender-transition procedures; Arizona will vote whether to limit school and sports bathroom access by sex at birth; and Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington state will vote on gender separation in sports. Vermont is considering a broad civil rights measure that would protect gender identity among other characteristics.

As we have done in the past, we’re providing a rundown of the key measures on ballots this year, based on tracking by the indispensable Ballotpedia and our own research.

This roundup does not address every single issue on state ballots this year, but it does cover many of them (especially the ones we found to be the most interesting from a national perspective). We’ve grouped them by topic.

ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE

Elections

Elections will be a big issue on the ballot in November.

Alaska’s Ballot Measure 2 would repeal the top-four, ranked-choice voting system the state has been using since its 2020 adoption, as well as repealing some campaign-finance rules. A previous attempt to junk the system failed narrowly in 2024.

Massachusetts voters will vote on Question 3, which would enact a top-two primary system that involves an all-party primary and a general election that features the top two finishers, regardless of party. In this solidly blue state, the measure has divided Democrats and Democratic-leaning interest groups. A mid-August poll by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and WCVB found the measure leading, 51%-32%. A September University of New Hampshire poll found the measure leading by a narrower margin, 41%-39%.

California will vote on Proposition 5, which would change the state’s recall election so that the office remains vacant after a successful recall; the post would be filled later. The California Democratic Party supports the change, while the California Republican Party opposes it, perhaps because the current system—a replacement election simultaneous with the recall—could allow a Republican with a small measure of support to win the governorship. Surprisingly for a Democratic state, a large majority of voters opposed this measure in a September Public Policy Institute of California poll.

Massachusetts Question 4 would expand election access by providing same-day voter registration; the aforementioned UMass-Amherst poll found it with 69% support. Virginia would also expand voting rights, via a measure that would require restoration of voting rights upon a felon’s release from incarceration.

Several states will vote on whether to specify that noncitizens cannot vote—a practice that is barred regardless of whether they pass these measures or not. The states are Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Noncitizen voting is barred at the federal and state levels across the country, although there are a few states that allow it in some local elections.

Measures that would tighten or reiterate voter identification requirements, in a variety of ways, are on the ballot in Arizona (as part of the citizen voting measure cited above), California, Colorado, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio.

Redistricting

Following a massive, mid-decade flurry of redistricting in 2025 and 2026, three states will decide whether to extend that streak into 2027.

One measure is in Missouri, home of a down-to-the-wire legal battle in which the courts blocked implementation of a Republican redistricting that would have eliminated a Democratic congressional seat. Missouri voters will consider Proposition A; a yes vote would uphold the map redrawn by Republicans, while a no vote would keep the preexisting map (which by court order will be used in 2026).

After Maryland’s state supreme court approved new language, voters will consider Question 3, which Democrats say opens the door to eliminating the last remaining Republican congressional seat in the state. Dueling polls released by supporters and opponents of the issue found a modest 40% plurality for their respective, favored side as well as a lot of undecideds.

And Colorado’s Amendment 86 aims to raise the bar against a potential Democratic effort to gerrymander the state’s districts by requiring any maps drawn mid-decade to be approved by a nonpolitical commission and the state supreme court. It requires 55% to pass.

Campaign finance

California Proposition 4 would repeal a ban on a public financing system for state and local offices. It trailed in the PPIC poll.

Michigan voters will consider whether to ban contributions from certain regulated utilities and government contractors.

And Montana will consider I-194, which would ban political donations by “artificial persons,” which it defines as including nonprofits, trusts, partnerships, corporations, trade associations, or unincorporated associations.

Other governmental rules

A New Mexico measure would eliminate the governor’s “pocket veto” by requiring bills to become law if the governor doesn’t either sign or veto them within the existing time frame.

A Louisiana measure would change the state’s gubernatorial term limit rules. It’s currently set at two consecutive terms; the measure would make it a lifetime maximum of two terms. State Democrats oppose this, as they believe it is targeted at former two-term Gov. John Bel Edwards (D), who could theoretically run again under current law.

A Nebraska measure would change the term limit definition, this one for legislators. The measure would increase maximum service from two consecutive four-year terms to three.

An Alabama measure would require an election to fill a vacancy in the lieutenant governorship if it were to occur more than 60 days before the next general election.

A New Mexico measure would set state legislators’ salaries equal to the annual median household income in the state. Another New Mexico measure would repeal the requirement that school elections be held at different times from partisan elections.

An Oklahoma measure would require the state’s judicial nominating commission be appointed according to congressional district.

A Montana measure would require all judicial elections to be nonpartisan; in this red state, the state Republican Party is opposed.

An Indiana measure would require city and town judges to reside in the county where they serve, or a neighboring county. A Georgia measure would require probate judges to be elected on a nonpartisan basis, while a Missouri measure would require county sheriffs to be elected.

And Michigan voters will be asked whether they want to convene a state constitutional convention.

TAXES AND BUDGET

Taxes

Tax policy—both cuts and hikes—is a common topic for ballot measures. That’s true again this year.

California has five tax-related measures on the ballot.

Proposition 40 would levy a one-time, 5% wealth tax on those with holdings over $1 billion; the proceeds would fund state health, food assistance, and education programs. A recent UC Berkeley Citrin Center for Public Opinion Research-Politico poll showed it ahead by only a 45%-43% margin after some earlier polling showed it doing better. There also are two other competing propositions, 41 and 42, each of which would nullify the wealth tax if approved by a larger margin than Prop 40.

Proposition 43 would require a two-thirds popular vote to enact or extend special tax initiatives; it would also ban local governments and ballot initiatives from enacting property taxes except for those authorized by the state constitution. Proposition 3 would renew the income taxes enacted in 2012 that fund education and early childhood programs; not surprisingly, it is supported by the California Teachers Association.

A Washington state measure would repeal a millionaire’s tax passed by Democrats earlier this year and prohibit future state and local taxes on individual income.

Colorado has conflicting tax measures. Amendment 87 would establish a graduated income tax for those earning $500,000 or more, with a tax cut for those below that threshold. Proposition 136 would, however, keep a flat tax, fixed at 4.4% for individuals and corporations.

Colorado’s Proposition 137 would allow the state to allocate tax revenue from sporting goods to support water, land, forests, wildfire prevention, and outdoor recreation. Colorado’s Proposition NN would increase the TABOR cap (which is the budgetary maximum beyond which revenues are returned to taxpayers) and use the surplus funds for K-12 education. Democratic legislators put this one on the ballot.

Florida’s Amendment 3 would significantly increase the homestead tax exemption and limit how municipalities can spend property tax revenue. Key Republican officials support it, while many Democrats oppose it. Opponents argue it would shift costs to localities, resulting in cuts to local services. A separate Florida measure would exempt farm-related equipment from property tax. Both need 60% to pass.

Tennessee’s Amendment 2 would prohibit property taxes in the state, which doesn’t currently have a property tax.

Arizona’s Proposition 141 would ban taxes or fees based on vehicle miles traveled.

Arizona’s Proposition 316 would bar local governments from taxing or increasing the tax on food without voter approval; it would also cap the rate at 2%.

Iowa’s Amendment 1 would require a two-thirds legislative vote to increase the individual or corporate tax rate.

A North Carolina measure would reduce the maximum allowable income tax from 7% to 3.5%. Another North Carolina measure would require the legislature to limit how fast property taxes can increase.

Wyoming’s Initiative 1 would create a property tax exemption of 50% of the assessed valuation.

A Wisconsin measure would bar the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase taxes or fees.

A Georgia measure would increase the amount of agricultural and timber land that can be considered for conservation purposes.

Louisiana has several tax-related measures on the ballot, including one that would authorize a tax exemption for rehabilitating blighted properties.

Budget

Massachusetts Question 5 would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect. Republicans generally support the measure.

Missouri’s Amendment 7 would create a public endowment with earnings that can be used to replace state taxes.

LEGAL ISSUES

Transgender policy

One of the biggest issues for ballot measures this year involve gender and transgender issues.

Missouri’s Amendment 3 would prohibit minors from gender-transition procedures (in addition to outlawing most forms of abortion; see below). Colorado’s Proposition 135 would bar gender-related surgeries for minors.

Arizona’s Proposition 318 would require schools and sports groups to ensure bathroom use by sex at birth.

Colorado’s Proposition 134 would separate sports teams based on biological sex, as would a measure in Nebraska. Washington state will vote on a similar measure.

Vermont would go the other direction: Proposal 4 would prohibit denial of rights based on “race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.”

Criminal justice

In several states, voters will consider tough-on-crime policies.

Colorado’s Proposition 132 would increase penalties related to fentanyl while also urging treatment options for some drug offenses. Colorado’s Proposition 133 would require life in prison without parole for human trafficking crimes.

An Indiana measure would deny bail to defendants in certain cases; a Louisiana measure would ban post-conviction bail in certain circumstances; and Tennessee’s Amendment 1 would end bail for certain offenses.

Arizona’s Proposition 317 would declare drug cartels to be terrorist organizations,

Finally, in reaction to a slew of late (and controversial) pardons by then-Gov. Matt Bevin (R), a Kentucky measure would ban pardons or commutations 60 days before the election or five weeks after the election.

Drugs

Two states will consider measures to roll back drug decriminalization or make it harder to impose.

Massachusetts’ Question 8 would repeal an existing marijuana legalization law; it had 55% opposition in the mid-August UMass poll.

Idaho’s HJR 4 would make the legislature, not voters, the only entity with authority to legalize drugs.

Civil rights

A Wisconsin measure would ban the government from granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Arizona will vote on Proposition 142, which would block the government from endorsing preferential treatment for or discrimination against an individual on the basis of race or ethnicity.

Virginia Question 2 would strip old constitutional language defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

POLICY MATTERS

Traditional high-profile policy areas for ballot measures—including abortion, immigration, health care, energy and the environment—don’t have as big a footprint this year.

Abortion rights

Pro-abortion rights measures are on the ballot in Idaho, Nevada, and Virginia. An anti-abortion rights measure is on the ballot in Missouri.

Idaho’s Proposition 1 would confirm in statute that people have a right to reproductive freedom. Nevada’s Question 6 would provide a state constitutional right to abortion, as would Virginia’s Question 1. Nevada requires approval of ballot measures in two straight election years; this one already passed once in 2024.

Missouri’s Amendment 3 would prohibit abortion in most cases, overturning a measure passed by voters in 2024. Polling shows a close contest.

Immigration

The only immigration question on statewide ballots this year is in Colorado.

Amendment 81 would require law enforcement to notify the federal Department of Homeland Security when a person is charged with a violent crime or has a prior felony conviction and the suspect’s immigration status is unclear. It requires 55% to pass.

Health care

South Dakota Constitutional Amendment I would condition the state’s Medicaid expansion on federal funding accounting for its current level of 90%. Voters originally approved the Medicaid expansion in 2022.

And California’s Proposition 44 would prohibit health care clinics from spending less than 90 percent of their revenue on their health care mission. The measure is backed by the SEIU labor union, while several medical organizations are opposing it.

Education

Arizona’s Proposition 320 would require certain school districts to spend at least 60% of their budget on direct instruction. This is a Republican effort and is opposed by the Arizona Education Association, a teachers’ union.

A Washington state measure would change parental rights related to information about their children’s medical situation. It has conservative backing and is opposed by progressive groups.

North Dakota Constitutional Measure 2 would require public schools to provide a free breakfast and lunch to students.

Energy

Colorado’s Amendment 82 would make the ability to purchase natural gas a constitutional right. It requires 55% to pass.

Environment

Massachusetts’s Question 6 would create a Nature for All fund for natural conservation.

Infrastructure

Arkansas voters will be asked to authorize up to $500 million for water infrastructure. And a Louisiana measure would authorize public funds to maintain drinking water utility lines affected by hazardous materials.

Guns

Arkansas and Idaho have pro-gun measures on the ballot. Arkansas’s measure would label gun ownership an “individual right that shall not be infringed.” Colorado Amendment 83 would establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish; it requires 55 percent to pass. In a nonbinding resolution, Idaho is asking voters to choose the official state gun from among six options.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Question 9 asks voters whether to uphold tougher gun policies passed in 2024. About 70% of voters in the UMass-Amherst poll supported keeping the law as is.

Housing

With consistent concern about the cost of housing, several states are weighing housing-related measures.

California’s Proposition 37 would establish a second-mortgage program, backed by $25 billion in bonds. The state Democratic Party supports the measure, while the state Republican Party opposes it. It had 61% support in the PPIC poll. Separately, California’s Proposition 1 will seek approval of $11.25 billion in bonds for housing programs for vulnerable populations, such as veterans.

Hawaii’s Question 2 would allow local jurisdictions to issue housing infrastructure growth bonds.

Massachusetts Question 7 would require local jurisdictions to allow single-family homes on lots of at least 5,000 square feet.

OTHER TOPICS

Religion and patriotism

A Wisconsin measure would ban the government from closing places of worship in emergencies, such as those relating to public health.

A pair of Alabama measures would require schools to broadcast the Star-Spangled Banner at least once a week, and conduct the Pledge of Allegiance daily. The second measure would also permit student-led prayer.

Idaho HJR 6 would designate English as the official state language.

Labor unions

Vermont voters will consider Proposal 3, which would establish a state constitutional right to join a union for collective bargaining.

Privacy

Arizona will consider Proposition 319, which would prohibit the use of traffic photo enforcement (including Flock cameras) without voter approval.

Transparency

Massachusetts Question 1 would make gubernatorial and legislative records public.

Gambling

Nebraska will vote on related measures to authorize online sports betting.

Emergency services

Georgia will vote on whether to create a Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund.

BOND MEASURES

In addition to the bond issues cited above, three states are voting on notable bonds.

California’s Proposition 38 would authorize $8.4 billion for immunology research. It had 55% support in the PPIC poll.

New Mexico has three separate bond measures: $230 million for education, $20 million for libraries, and $30 million for senior citizen facilities.

Rhode Island has five bond measures on the ballot: $100 million for economic development, $55 million for the environment and water infrastructure, $275 million for higher education facilities, $50 million for cultural and historical projects, and $120 million for affordable housing.

BALLOT MEASURES ABOUT BALLOT MEASURES

Ballot measures to curb or expand the power of ballot measures have been common in recent years. This year, they’re split roughly half and half between those that would bolster voters’ power and those that would curb it.

Two states have measures to expand voter leverage. Missouri’s Amendment 6 would make it much harder for the legislature to repeal or amend an already-passed initiative. Montana’s CI-133 would add initiatives to the state’s declaration of rights.

Colorado’s Amendment 85 would require ballot measures to be written at an eighth-grade reading level.

As for curbs on the initiative process, North Dakota and South Dakota would each require 60% to pass a constitutional amendment rather than the current simple majority. Utah would require 60% for tax proposals.

See Other Political Commentary.

See Other Commentaries by Louis Jacobson.

Views expressed in this column are those of the author, not those of Rasmussen Reports. Comments about this content should be directed to the author or syndicate.