Legalizing Pot, Expanding Medicaid Also on the Ballot

Flying under the radar in this election are the ballot propositions and constitutional amendments going before the voters.

While most of the attention has been focused on races for House, Senate, and governor, several states have important ballot measures and proposed constitutional amendments up for grabs as well.

Affecting everything from property taxes to voting rights to health coverage, these measures can trigger sweeping changes that have wide-ranging political, economic, and cultural effects. When they become controversial, they can also draw voters to the polls who might otherwise stay home.

Here are some of the major measures nationwide voters will pass judgment on:

Legalizing Marijuana

Michigan Proposal 1, Marijuana Legalization Initiative:

A “yes” on this initiate would legalize the possession and use of marijuana for recreational use

Missouri will consider three separate measures that would legalize marijuana for medical use, with each varying in particulars such as amount to be taxed. Of the three, Amendment 2 received the most endorsements.

North Dakota Measure 3 would legalize the sale, possession and use of recreational marijuana without limit or restriction.

Utah voters will weigh in on Proposition 2, a proposal to legalize medical marijuana. The result, however, is a foregone conclusion. Supporters and opponents struck a compromise deal that will apply no matter how the vote comes out.

Raising Minimum Wage

Arkansas Issue 5, would raise the state’s current minimum wage from $8.50 an hour to $11 an hour by 2021. Federal minimum wage is 7.25 per hour.

Missouri Proposition B would raise that state’s minimum wage higher than that proposed in Arkansas, but over a longer time period. If passed, it would raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 by 2023.

Expand Medicaid

Idaho Proposition 2 would expand Medicaid to those individuals below the age of 65 having an income of 133 percent of the federal poverty level or lower and ineligible for other state coverage.

Nebraska Initiative 427 would provide Medicaid coverage to persons below 65 and incomes equal to or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

Utah Proposition 3 would require the state to provide Medicaid to all persons below the age of 65 and with incomes equal to or lower than 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

Reduce Gerrymandering Missouri, Michigan, Utah and Colorado.

Colorado’s Amendment Y is a proposal that, if approved by the voters, would create a 12-member commission responsible for approving district maps for Colorado's congressional districts.

Michigan’s Proposal 2, would take the responsibility for drawing up the state’s congressional and legislative districts from the legislature to an independent redistricting commission.

Missouri Amendment 1 would, if approved, make changes to the state’s legislative redistricting process, as well as to the state's lobbying laws and campaign finance limits for state legislative candidates.

Utah’s Proposition 4 would create a seven-member independent redistricting commission to draft maps for congressional and state legislative districts.

Giving Felons the Vote

Florida Amendment 4 would automatically restore voting rights for people with prior felony convictions upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole, and probation. Those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense are excluded.

Michael Dorstewitz is a retired lawyer and has been a frequent contributor to BizPac Review and Liberty Unyielding. He’s also a former U.S. Merchant Marine officer and an enthusiastic Second Amendment supporter, who can often be found honing his skills at the range. To read more of his reports - Click Here.