Aug.27

electoral-vote.com

Dem 52

Ties 1

GOP 47

Many States Have Ballot Measures Affecting Elections and Democracy in November

Republicans are striking back. In the past, there have been numerous ballot measures in many states sponsored by Democrats or Democratic-leaning groups—for example, on abortion. Now Republicans are getting into the act and have gotten initiatives on the ballot in many states for things they like. These include voter ID, citizenship and direct democracy in general. Here are the main ones this year:

• Arizona: An amendment requiring voters to present government-issued photo ID to vote by any method
• California: A measure requiring in-person voters to show ID or give last four digits of SS or DL number
• Nevada: A measure requiring in-person voters to show ID or give last four digits of SS or DL number
• North Carolina: A measure requiring photo ID for voting by any method
• Ohio: A measure to put the law requiring photo ID for voting in the state Constitution

The measures that require photo ID for any method of voting mean that people who vote by absentee ballot will have to include a photocopy of some government-issued ID. This is hugely dangerous since anyone who gets a hold of that ID can impersonate the voter in the future using that ID.

• Alaska: A measure stating that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election
• Arkansas: A constitutional amendment stating that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election
• Kansas: A constitutional amendment stating that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election
• South Dakota: A constitutional amendment stating that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election
• West Virginia: A constitutional amendment stating that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election

It is already the case that one must be a U.S. citizen to vote in federal elections. However, in some states, localities can allow permanent residents who are not citizens to vote in local elections. All of these measures would ban that practice.

• Alaska: A measure to repeal the top-four primary system and revert to what it was before.
• Maryland: A measure to allow the legislature to draw new (gerrymandered) district maps before 2028
• Massachusetts: A measure to adopt the California top-two nonpartisan primary system
• North Dakota: A measure to require constitutional amendments to get at least 60% of the vote to pass
• South Dakota: As North Dakota goes, so goes South Dakota. Same 60% rule here
• Utah: A measure requiring certain tax initiatives to get 60%
• Virginia: A measure to re-enfranchise all ex-felons automatically upon their release from prison

The measures requiring 60% of the vote for amendments were dreamed up by Republican state legislatures that don't think voters should have anything to do with making laws. That is the legislature's job and the legislators don't welcome any input or interference from, you know, the people. Raising the threshold makes it harder for measures to pass in the future. (V)