A tool for democracy
In 2024, the fight to bring back abortion access and protect reproductive freedom is being waged at the ballot box and not only through the federal level. This November, citizen-led ballot initiatives have succeeded in protecting abortion rights in seven states: Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York. In previous election cycles, six other states, including California, secured abortion-related constitutional amendments via ballot measures.
38 years of Indian American stories depend on what you do next. Stand with us today.
Ballot initiatives have emerged as a powerful tool for direct democracy. Available in 26 states, the citizen-led ballot initiative process allows people to propose policy changes and collect signatures to place those proposals directly before voters. In some ways, ballot measures may be the most reliable way for citizens to propose new laws or amendments to existing ones directly. While they often appear as simple yes/no questions, the issues they address are complex and impactful.
“Ballot measures reflect how well the government is performing. And so, the frequency and scope of ballot measures tend to increase during times when elected officials fail to address community needs,” said Richard Von Glahn, a labor organizer with the Missouri Jobs with Justice, at a 22 November Ethnic Media Services briefing. This year, Von Glahn successfully led the Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages campaign, which raised the state minimum wage to $15 and secured paid sick leave for workers.
Ballot Measures and Immigrants
Ballot measures may be the only way for immigrants and non-US-born citizens to influence policy. States like California allow for non-citizen voting in ballot initiatives that address problems central to those communities. However, partisan and anti-immigrant groups seek to remove even this path to self-governance by mounting increasing attacks on ballot measures.
Ballot Measures and Health
Ballot measures also play a vital role in advancing health equity. According to Health Affairs, from 2014 to 2023, 63.5% of successful ballot initiatives across the U.S. focused on population health, encompassing health care, public health, and social determinants of health.
In California, ballot initiatives in 2024 have seen resounding victories in protecting access to Medicaid and in ensuring that public taxpayer funds are used appropriately by government health agencies. Additionally, there has been increased momentum in pushing measures that promote fair wages, paid sick leave, and workers’ rights which indirectly improve health outcomes by reducing financial barriers to medical care and fostering better working conditions.
“Workers who live paycheck-to-paycheck skip doctors’ visits and sacrifice their health in cases where they cannot afford to lose even a day’s salary. Without paid time off, mothers often are unable to look after sick children or elders, leading to worsening health outcomes for the entire family. Equitable working conditions with fair wages, paid time off, sick leave, etc. are essential for better health outcomes among working-class communities,” stresses Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.
Attacks on Ballot Measures
Despite their success, ballot measures frequently face opposition from corporate interests and certain politicians. These groups attempt to undermine progressive policies like universal healthcare, worker protections, and abortion access, using misinformation campaigns and culture wars. However, the results of 2024 election ballot measures clearly indicate that support for universal healthcare and other progressive initiatives are bi-partisan in nature. People from all sides of the political spectrum relate directly to ballot measures and voted to protect worker rights, decrease income inequality, and improve health access.
“The primary opponents of ballot initiatives are typically big businesses and legislators who prioritize corporate interests over public welfare,” says Von Glahn. “When elected officials fail their communities, ballot measures act as a necessary safeguard, allowing citizens to reclaim power.”
As support for progressive initiatives grows across political lines, advocates stress the importance of preserving and strengthening the ballot initiative process to ensure that local communities – both immigrants and others – retain a voice in shaping policy.
