Voters across the United States are set to influence a wide range of policy issues in upcoming elections, not only through the selection of federal and state representatives but also by deciding on more than 140 statewide ballot measures. These initiatives will address topics including voting rights, taxation, social issues related to abortion and transgender rights, and the regulation of direct democracy itself.

Experts note that the number of election-related measures on the ballot, nearly 40, is a record, reflecting heightened public engagement with electoral processes. Ballot measures allow citizens to directly enact or reject policies that may not have strong support among their elected officials. Some proposals originate from the legislature, while others are citizen-driven efforts.

Several states will consider reforms related to voting laws and campaign finance. In Alaska, Ballot Measure 2 seeks to repeal open primaries and ranked-choice voting, both of which were approved in recent elections. Supported by former President Donald Trump, the measure would also relax campaign finance restrictions. Montana’s Initiative 194 would ban corporations, nonprofits, and labor unions defined as “artificial persons” from doing business in the state if they contribute to political campaigns. Michigan’s Proposal 2 aims to bar electric and gas utilities, as well as many government contractors, from making campaign donations. In Virginia, Question 3 proposes restoring voting rights to those convicted of felonies upon release and narrowing restrictions on those deemed mentally incompetent to vote. Voter ID and citizenship requirements will be decided in at least 11 states, including Arizona, California, and Ohio.

Tax policy is another major focus this election cycle, with initiatives targeting wealthier individuals. California’s Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5 percent tax on billionaires’ net worth, directing revenue primarily to healthcare. Washington’s Initiative 645 would repeal a 9.9 percent income tax on earnings over $1 million, a measure expected to generate over $3 billion annually, noting Washington currently has no personal income tax. In Cook County, Illinois, voters will consider a non-binding amendment to add a 3 percent income tax on incomes above $1 million.

Several states are also grappling with redistricting as a political battleground. Maryland’s Question 3 would remove certain limits on legislators’ authority to draw congressional districts, potentially enabling a Democratic legislature to target the last Republican district on the Eastern Shore. Missouri’s Proposition A seeks voter approval for a Republican-favored congressional map that the Supreme Court halted ahead of the 2026 elections. Colorado’s Amendment 86 would require public meetings and independent commission approval before redistricting plans can be altered.

Social policy measures addressing abortion and transgender rights are featured prominently. Washington’s Initiative 638 would prohibit transgender girls in grades 6-12 from competing in girls’ sports, requiring medical verification of sex. Colorado’s Proposition 135 would block gender transition surgeries for minors and deny state and federal funds for such procedures. Missouri voters will consider Amendment 3, which would repeal the state constitutional right to abortion and ban gender-affirming medical care for minors. Conversely, Idaho’s Proposition 1 proposes overturning a strict abortion ban that criminalizes doctors performing abortions. Other states including Colorado, Arizona, Nebraska, Virginia, and Nevada will also vote on related issues surrounding abortion access and transgender athlete participation.

Environmental and development policies are also on the ballot. California’s Proposition 45 aims to ease the approval process for large housing and infrastructure projects by limiting environmental reviews, a move supporters say will help alleviate the housing shortage but opponents warn could facilitate data center construction. Colorado’s Amendment 82 seeks to enshrine a right to buy and sell natural gas in the state constitution, contrasting with legislative actions aimed at reducing fossil fuel use. Arizona’s Proposition 141 would prohibit taxes based on vehicle mileage, countering proposals to fund infrastructure through user fees. Additionally, numerous local elections will address the approval or restriction of data center projects, which underpin advances in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Finally, some ballot measures intend to regulate the initiative process itself. In Missouri, Amendment 6 would require a supermajority in the legislature and voter approval to alter voter-approved initiatives, strengthening protections against unilateral legislative changes. Idaho’s House Joint Resolution 4 would restrict citizens from proposing ballot measures legalizing marijuana or other drugs, ceding that authority to the legislature. Utah’s Amendment B would impose a 60 percent approval threshold for voter-initiated tax legislation.

The outcomes of these measures will offer an important barometer of voter sentiment on a wide array of contentious issues and could significantly reshape state and local policy landscapes across the country.