{ "schema_version": 1, "content_id": "0732b6ef9371db5f7cab", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "source_check_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "coverage": [ { "state": "AL", "name": "Alabama", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 4, "local_count": 0, "note": "Four November statewide amendments listed by the Fair Ballot Commission; earlier 2026 election questions excluded.", "source_ids": [ "AL-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "AK", "name": "Alaska", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "AK2", "AK2-FINAL", "AK3", "AK3-TEXT", "AK3-LAW" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "AZ", "name": "Arizona", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 8, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "AZ" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "AR", "name": "Arkansas", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 4, "local_count": 0, "note": "Four General Assembly referrals listed. The secretary of state lists no citizen initiatives for this general election.", "source_ids": [ "AR-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "CA", "name": "California", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 14, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "CA-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "CO", "name": "Colorado", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 14, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "CO-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "CT", "name": "Connecticut", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The complete official November general-election sample ballot contains no statewide policy question. This conclusion concerns statewide measures only; local questions and judicial retention votes are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-CT" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "DE", "name": "Delaware", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The complete official November general-election sample ballot contains no statewide policy question. This conclusion concerns statewide measures only; local questions and judicial retention votes are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-DE" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "FL", "name": "Florida", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "FL" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "GA", "name": "Georgia", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "GA" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "HI", "name": "Hawaii", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "HI-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "ID", "name": "Idaho", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 4, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "ID-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "IL", "name": "Illinois", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The complete official November general-election sample ballot contains no statewide policy question. This conclusion concerns statewide measures only; local questions and judicial retention votes are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-IL" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "IN", "name": "Indiana", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "Two statewide public questions verified in the Election Division guide and county sample ballots. Local casino and school referendums excluded.", "source_ids": [ "IN-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "IA", "name": "Iowa", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "IA" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "KS", "name": "Kansas", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "KS" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "KY", "name": "Kentucky", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "One amendment listed on the secretary of state’s 2026 constitutional-amendments page; final Act 12 checked.", "source_ids": [ "KY-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "LA", "name": "Louisiana", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 10, "local_count": 0, "note": "Ten November amendments listed by the secretary of state. May 2026 questions excluded. Local implementation options are part of statewide amendments, not local ballot contests.", "source_ids": [ "LA-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "ME", "name": "Maine", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The official State of Maine sample ballot for Readfield/Winthrop, both sides, contains only candidate contests. The town election page separately lists its municipal charter question. No statewide November measure appears in these official ballot materials.", "source_ids": [ "ME-2026-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "MD", "name": "Maryland", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "All November statewide questions listed in the official election guide are included. Local and earlier-election measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-MD", "EAST-MD-FISCAL1", "EAST-MD-CONST" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "MA", "name": "Massachusetts", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 9, "local_count": 0, "note": "All November statewide questions listed in the official election guide are included. Local and earlier-election measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-MA1", "EAST-MA-CONST", "EAST-MA2", "EAST-MA3", "EAST-MA4", "EAST-MA5", "EAST-MA6", "EAST-MA7", "EAST-MA8", "EAST-MA9", "EAST-MA-ROSTER" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "MI", "name": "Michigan", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "MI" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "MN", "name": "Minnesota", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "MN" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "MS", "name": "Mississippi", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The official statewide sample ballot contains federal, state and judicial contests and ends without a statewide ballot measure. Local questions may still apply.", "source_ids": [ "MS" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "MO", "name": "Missouri", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 5, "local_count": 0, "note": "Five measures certified for November: Amendments 3, 6, 7, 8 and Proposition A. The separate August roster is excluded.", "source_ids": [ "MO-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "MT", "name": "Montana", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "MT-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "NE", "name": "Nebraska", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 4, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "NE-LR19", "NE" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "NV", "name": "Nevada", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "NV" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "NH", "name": "New Hampshire", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "NH" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "NJ", "name": "New Jersey", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The complete official November general-election sample ballot contains no statewide policy question. This conclusion concerns statewide measures only; local questions and judicial retention votes are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-NJ" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "NM", "name": "New Mexico", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 7, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "NM" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "NY", "name": "New York", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The complete Hamilton County official sample-ballot booklet contains only candidate contests, with each ballot marked Page 1 of 1 and its reverse blank. No statewide November proposal appears. Local proposals in other counties and New York City are outside this roster.", "source_ids": [ "NY-2026-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "NC", "name": "North Carolina", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "NC", "NC-ID", "NC-ID-LAW" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "ND", "name": "North Dakota", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "ND-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "OH", "name": "Ohio", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "OH" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "OK", "name": "Oklahoma", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "OK845", "OK847" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "OR", "name": "Oregon", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "Official county election office explicitly reports no state measures for November 2026. Local questions may still apply.", "source_ids": [ "OR" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "PA", "name": "Pennsylvania", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The complete official Monroe County Barrett One general-election ballot contains candidate contests and an intentionally blank reverse, with no statewide question. Local questions elsewhere in Pennsylvania are outside this roster.", "source_ids": [ "PA-2026-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "RI", "name": "Rhode Island", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 5, "local_count": 0, "note": "All November statewide questions listed in the official election guide are included. Local and earlier-election measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-RI", "EAST-RI-LAW" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "SC", "name": "South Carolina", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The State Election Commission’s November 3 referendum listing returned 42 local questions and no statewide constitutional amendments or advisory questions when searched with all counties, parties and types selected. Local questions are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "SC-2026-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "SD", "name": "South Dakota", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 4, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "SD-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unavailable" }, { "state": "TN", "name": "Tennessee", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "Three amendments verified in the official county sample ballot and county-government guide; state legislative texts checked. Local city tax question excluded.", "source_ids": [ "TN-sample", "TN-rule" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "TX", "name": "Texas", "status": "officially_none", "statewide_count": 0, "local_count": 0, "note": "The official statewide sample ballot contains federal, state and judicial contests and ends without a statewide ballot measure. Local questions may still apply.", "source_ids": [ "TX" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "UT", "name": "Utah", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "UT-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "VT", "name": "Vermont", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 2, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "VT" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "VA", "name": "Virginia", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "All November statewide questions listed in the official election guide are included. Local and earlier-election measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "EAST-VA", "EAST-VA-CONST", "EAST-VA-IMPLEMENTATION", "EAST-VA-RIGHTS", "EAST-VA-RESTORE" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "WA", "name": "Washington", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "WA-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "WV", "name": "West Virginia", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "Secretary of state explicitly confirms one statewide amendment for November.", "source_ids": [ "WV-roster" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" }, { "state": "WI", "name": "Wisconsin", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 3, "local_count": 0, "note": "November statewide measures identified from official election records.", "source_ids": [ "WI" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable" }, { "state": "WY", "name": "Wyoming", "status": "measures_identified", "statewide_count": 1, "local_count": 0, "note": "Complete statewide November roster identified from the official election guide or certified measure directory. Local measures are excluded.", "source_ids": [ "WY-2026-guide" ], "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "source_check_status": "unchanged" } ], "measures": [ { "id": "AK-2026-Measure 2", "state": "AK", "designation": "Measure 2", "title": "Party primaries and ranked-choice voting", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Uses the August 28, 2026 corrected official ballot summary. The older December 2025 summary is superseded." ], "state_name": "Alaska", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ak-2026-measure-2/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Alaska official election evidence", "url": "https://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions-and-ballot-measures/petition-status/?initiative_id=24eseg" }, { "name": "Alaska official election evidence", "url": "https://www.elections.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/24ESEG-Ballot-Language-Notice-to-Update-2026.08.28_Redacted.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Alaska uses an open top-four primary and ranked-choice general elections, with campaign-disclosure rules adopted in 2020.", "ai_summary": "Would restore party primaries, end ranked-choice general elections and repeal or amend related campaign-finance disclosure rules. Governor and lieutenant governor candidates would run separately in the primary. It also changes related vacancy and special-election procedures.", "yes_effect": "Replace the current election system with the proposed party-primary and general-election rules.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing election system and related disclosure provisions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AK-2026-Measure 3", "state": "AK", "designation": "Measure 3", "title": "Citizenship wording for voter qualifications", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Alaska", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ak-2026-measure-3/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Alaska official election evidence", "url": "https://www.elections.alaska.gov/petitions-and-ballot-measures/petition-status/?initiative_id=25uscv" }, { "name": "Alaska official election evidence", "url": "https://www.elections.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/25USCV-Ballot-Title-Summary.pdf" }, { "name": "Alaska official election evidence", "url": "https://ltgov.alaska.gov/newsroom/2025/10/lieutenant-governor-nancy-dahlstrom-certifies-application-for-ballot-initiative-25uscv/" } ], "baseline": "Alaska already requires U.S. citizenship, age, residency and registration qualifications to vote.", "ai_summary": "Would say that only U.S. citizens meeting the other qualifications may vote. The citizenship requirement already exists; the proposal changes its wording.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised voter-qualification wording.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing wording and citizenship requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 141", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 141", "title": "Vehicle-mile charges and travel restrictions", "topic": "Transportation", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-141/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not contain this proposed ban on vehicle-mile charges and mileage monitoring or limits.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit taxes or fees based on vehicle miles and laws monitoring or limiting miles without consent, with exceptions for interstate commercial and government vehicles.", "yes_effect": "Add the proposed constitutional restrictions.", "no_effect": "Leave the constitution without these new restrictions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 142", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 142", "title": "Government preferences and required statements", "topic": "Civil rights", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-142/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Arizona already has a constitutional ban on certain government discrimination and preferential treatment.", "ai_summary": "Would expand those restrictions, including limits on required race-related statements, publicly funded education positions promoting racial preferences, differential school discipline and some admissions or hiring requests. The text includes legal-compliance and health-related exceptions.", "yes_effect": "Add the expanded restrictions and exceptions.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional restrictions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 144", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 144", "title": "Identification and election administration", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-144/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Arizona already has voting identification and election-administration laws; this proposal would add constitutional requirements.", "ai_summary": "Would require government-issued identification when voting, including by mail; allow an option for local Election Day tabulation; restrict foreign-national campaign contributions; change the standard for judicial review; and require legislative funding for implementation.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the new constitutional election provisions.", "no_effect": "Leave current law without these additional constitutional provisions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 316", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 316", "title": "Local grocery taxes", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-316/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Local grocery taxes operate under existing law without the proposed statewide approval and rate restrictions.", "ai_summary": "Would bar new or increased local grocery taxes from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, including retroactively. Later new or increased taxes would need voter approval and could not exceed 2%.", "yes_effect": "Apply the tax restrictions and voter-approval requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep current local grocery-tax rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "The restriction covers July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027 retroactively; different approval rules apply afterward.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 317", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 317", "title": "Drug-cartel designation", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-317/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "This proposed state designation and direction to the Arizona Department of Homeland Security are not in current law.", "ai_summary": "Would designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations and direct the state homeland-security department to use its authority to address them. The definition covers specified trafficking, smuggling and terrorism activity; the designation would not support asylum claims.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the designation and direction.", "no_effect": "Do not enact these proposed state provisions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 318", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 318", "title": "School athletics and facilities", "topic": "Education", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-318/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing athletic restrictions apply to public schools and private schools competing against them.", "ai_summary": "Would extend sex-based team rules to all public and private schools and athletic associations, using the sex on an original birth certificate. It also regulates certain facilities and allows civil actions by affected athletes.", "yes_effect": "Expand the team and facility restrictions and enforcement rights.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing scope of school-athletics law.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 319", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 319", "title": "Photo traffic enforcement", "topic": "Transportation", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-319/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Photo-enforcement programs operate under current state and local authority.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit new photo-enforcement systems except contracts entered by December 31, 2026. Existing local systems would require voter approval at the next regular election and every ten years afterward.", "yes_effect": "Apply the new restrictions and recurring approval requirements.", "no_effect": "Leave existing authorization rules in place.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "The contract exception uses December 31, 2026; local approval would follow at the next regular election.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AZ-2026-Proposition 320", "state": "AZ", "designation": "Proposition 320", "title": "School spending on instruction", "topic": "Education", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arizona", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/az-2026-proposition-320/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arizona official election evidence", "url": "https://azsos.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-Ballot-Language-English-2026-0819.pdf" } ], "baseline": "School districts do not face this proposed 60% spending rule with its Classroom Site Fund penalty.", "ai_summary": "Would require specified large districts to spend at least 60% of operating expenses on direct instruction, using the Auditor General definition. It phases in adjustments and allows limited waivers; noncompliance could reduce Classroom Site Fund payments by 25%.", "yes_effect": "Apply the spending standard and associated funding penalty.", "no_effect": "Keep existing district-spending requirements.", "fiscal_impact": "Noncompliance could reduce Classroom Site Fund payments by 25% for a year. No aggregate statewide estimate is recorded here.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "FL-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "FL", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Budget reserves", "topic": "Budget", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Florida", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/fl-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Florida official election evidence", "url": "https://dos.fl.gov/media/711369/eng-2026-booklet-constitutional-amendpub-updated-20260903.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The Budget Stabilization Fund has a constitutional maximum equal to 10% of general-revenue collections.", "ai_summary": "Would raise the maximum to 25% and require annual transfers of the lesser of $750 million or the amount needed to reach it, subject to exceptions. Withdrawals for critical needs remain possible.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the higher reserve ceiling and transfer rules.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing reserve framework.", "fiscal_impact": "Would redirect up to $750 million annually into reserves, subject to the ceiling and exceptions; this is not an estimate of new tax revenue.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 60% of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "FL-2026-Amendment 2", "state": "FL", "designation": "Amendment 2", "title": "Agricultural equipment tax exemption", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Florida", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/fl-2026-amendment-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Florida official election evidence", "url": "https://dos.fl.gov/media/711369/eng-2026-booklet-constitutional-amendpub-updated-20260903.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The proposed exemption for qualifying tangible personal property on agricultural land is not currently in the constitution.", "ai_summary": "Would exempt qualifying equipment and other tangible property habitually on agricultural land and used for agriculture or agritourism, when owned by the landowner or leaseholder, from property tax.", "yes_effect": "Create the qualifying-property exemption.", "no_effect": "Leave the proposed exemption unadopted.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Tax years beginning January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "At least 60% of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "FL-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "FL", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "Homestead exemptions and assessment caps", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Assessment limits and exemptions do not guarantee a particular change in an individual tax bill. The full text includes residency, local approval and spending exceptions." ], "state_name": "Florida", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/fl-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Florida official election evidence", "url": "https://dos.fl.gov/media/711369/eng-2026-booklet-constitutional-amendpub-updated-20260903.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing homestead exemptions apply, and the annual non-homestead assessment-growth cap is 10%.", "ai_summary": "Would raise the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjust for inflation, with delayed eligibility for some new residents. It would cut the non-homestead assessment-growth cap to 5%, provide procedures for larger local exemptions and restrict certain local property-tax uses.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the exemption, assessment-cap and local-spending changes.", "no_effect": "Keep existing exemptions, caps and local-use authority.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027; the exemption increases again in 2028.", "passage_rule": "At least 60% of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "GA-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "GA", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Conservation-use acreage", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Georgia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ga-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Georgia official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026%20Constitutional%20Summaries%20booklet%20FINAL.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The conservation-use property limit is 2,000 acres for a single owner.", "ai_summary": "Would increase the maximum to 4,000 acres. The conservation-use covenant and consequences for breaking it would still apply.", "yes_effect": "Increase the acreage eligible for conservation-use tax treatment.", "no_effect": "Keep the 2,000-acre limit.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "GA-2026-Amendment 2", "state": "GA", "designation": "Amendment 2", "title": "Nonpartisan probate-judge elections", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Georgia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ga-2026-amendment-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Georgia official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026%20Constitutional%20Summaries%20booklet%20FINAL.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Probate judges are not all required to be elected on a nonpartisan basis.", "ai_summary": "Would require every probate-judge election to be nonpartisan. It changes how those elections are conducted, not the duties of the office.", "yes_effect": "Require nonpartisan probate-judge elections statewide.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing election arrangements.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "GA-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "GA", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Georgia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ga-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Georgia official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026%20Constitutional%20Summaries%20booklet%20FINAL.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The proposed dedicated, nonlapsing constitutional fund does not yet exist.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize a fund for expanding, maintaining and operating 9-1-1 systems, including Next Generation 9-1-1. The legislature could dedicate existing or reallocated revenues; unused money would remain in the fund.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the dedicated fund and its spending restrictions.", "no_effect": "Do not create this constitutional fund.", "fiscal_impact": "Authorizes dedicating existing or reallocated revenues. The amendment does not itself specify a new tax or a fixed appropriation.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "IA-2026-Public Measure 1", "state": "IA", "designation": "Public Measure 1", "title": "Supermajority for state income-tax increases", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Iowa", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ia-2026-public-measure-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Iowa official election evidence", "url": "https://iowacounty.iowa.gov/elections/2026_general_election_2026_11_03/" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not impose this proposed two-thirds voting rule for state income taxes.", "ai_summary": "Would require two-thirds of elected members in each legislative chamber to approve a new state income tax or an increase in an income-tax rate. Local option taxes are excluded, and challenges would have a one-year filing limit.", "yes_effect": "Add the legislative supermajority requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing legislative voting rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "KS-2026-Constitutional Amendment", "state": "KS", "designation": "Constitutional Amendment", "title": "Citizenship wording for voting", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Kansas", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ks-2026-constitutional-amendment/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Kansas official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.ks.gov/elections/26elec/2026-General-Election-Constitutional-Amendment-Citizen-Clarification.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution already qualifies citizens who meet age and residency requirements to vote.", "ai_summary": "Would rewrite the qualification to say no person may vote unless a citizen meeting the stated conditions. The age, residency and moving-related provisions remain.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised citizenship wording.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing qualification wording.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MI-2026-Proposal 2026-1", "state": "MI", "designation": "Proposal 2026-1", "title": "Constitutional convention", "topic": "Government", "type": "Convention question", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Michigan", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mi-2026-proposal-2026-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Michigan official election evidence", "url": "https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/Elections/Home/Documents/2026-November-ballot-questions.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The current constitution remains in effect unless changed through constitutional procedures.", "ai_summary": "Would convene elected delegates in 2027 to draft a general revision of the constitution. Any resulting revision would return to voters for approval or rejection.", "yes_effect": "Convene the drafting convention.", "no_effect": "Do not call this convention.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "The proposed convention would convene in 2027; a revision would require a later public vote.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MI-2026-Proposal 2026-2", "state": "MI", "designation": "Proposal 2026-2", "title": "Utility and contractor campaign contributions", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Michigan", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mi-2026-proposal-2026-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Michigan official election evidence", "url": "https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/Elections/Home/Documents/2026-November-ballot-questions.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing campaign-finance rules do not include all the proposed contributor restrictions and expanded communication rules.", "ai_summary": "Would restrict contributions from regulated electric and gas utilities, certain government contractors and substantially connected people or organizations. It also expands disclosure rules to some communications that name candidates or questions without expressly advocating a vote, and covers online political communications.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the new contribution and disclosure restrictions.", "no_effect": "Keep existing campaign-finance law.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MN-2026-Constitutional Amendment", "state": "MN", "designation": "Constitutional Amendment", "title": "Permanent School Fund distributions", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Minnesota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mn-2026-constitutional-amendment/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Minnesota official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/whats-on-my-ballot/constitutional-amendments" } ], "baseline": "The current constitution sets rules for the permanent school fund and payments to school districts.", "ai_summary": "Would allow a distribution policy designed to support annual school payments while preserving the fund’s purchasing power over time. The legislature would set that policy and permitted administrative costs. The ballot question describes increased school funding without raising individual income or property taxes.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised fund-management and distribution framework.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional framework.", "fiscal_impact": "The proposal uses the permanent school fund rather than an individual income- or property-tax increase. No dollar estimate is recorded here.", "effective_date": "July 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of all voters participating in the election must vote yes. A blank answer has the same effect as a no vote.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NE-2026-LR19CA", "state": "NE", "designation": "LR19CA", "title": "Legislative term limits", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Nebraska", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ne-2026-lr19ca/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Nebraska official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2026/LR19CA_Approved_Ballot_Statement_Language.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Legislators may serve two consecutive four-year terms, then must leave the legislature for four years.", "ai_summary": "Would increase the limit from two consecutive terms (eight years) to three consecutive terms (twelve years).", "yes_effect": "Allow three consecutive four-year terms.", "no_effect": "Keep the two-term limit and existing four-year break.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NE-2026-Initiative 440", "state": "NE", "designation": "Initiative 440", "title": "Constitutional authority for online sports betting", "topic": "Gambling", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Read together with Initiative 441. A statutory vote cannot by itself override a constitutional restriction." ], "state_name": "Nebraska", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ne-2026-initiative-440/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Nebraska official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2026/2026%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution authorizes casino gaming at licensed racetracks but not this proposed online sports-wagering authority.", "ai_summary": "Would permit online sports wagering in Nebraska through licensed racetrack operators. Initiative 441 supplies a related statutory framework; these are separate questions.", "yes_effect": "Add constitutional authority for online sports wagering.", "no_effect": "Do not add that constitutional authority.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NE-2026-Initiative 441", "state": "NE", "designation": "Initiative 441", "title": "Regulation of online sports betting", "topic": "Gambling", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Read together with Initiative 440. Approval of one question does not mean both have passed." ], "state_name": "Nebraska", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ne-2026-initiative-441/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Nebraska official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2026/2026%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Nebraska permits specified in-person sports wagering; this proposed statewide online framework is not in effect.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize and regulate online sports wagering through licensed racetrack operators and platform providers. Initiative 440 addresses the accompanying constitutional authority.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the proposed online wagering law, subject to constitutional authority.", "no_effect": "Do not enact this online wagering law.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NE-2026-Initiative 442", "state": "NE", "designation": "Initiative 442", "title": "Sex-based school sports teams", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Nebraska", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ne-2026-initiative-442/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Nebraska official election evidence", "url": "https://sos.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/elections/2026/2026%20Ballot%20Measures%20Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not contain this proposed sex-based school-team requirement.", "ai_summary": "Would require covered teams to be designated male, female or coed based on sex and exclude male-sex students from female teams. It covers public schools and colleges and private schools competing against them, with federal-law and severability provisions.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional team requirements.", "no_effect": "Do not add these requirements to the constitution.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NV-2026-Question 6", "state": "NV", "designation": "Question 6", "title": "Constitutional abortion protection", "topic": "Health", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Nevada", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nv-2026-question-6/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Nevada official election evidence", "url": "https://cltr.douglascountynv.gov/elections/2026-election-information/2026_general_election/state_ballot_questions" } ], "baseline": "Nevada has statutory abortion protections. Voters approved this constitutional proposal once in 2024; a second approval is required.", "ai_summary": "Would establish a constitutional right to abortion performed by a qualified health-care professional before fetal viability, and afterward when necessary to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health.", "yes_effect": "Complete the second approval and add the constitutional protection.", "no_effect": "Reject the second approval; existing statutory law is not repealed by a no vote.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Second consecutive general-election approval is required; this is the second vote.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NV-2026-Question 7", "state": "NV", "designation": "Question 7", "title": "Voter identification", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Nevada", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nv-2026-question-7/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Nevada official election evidence", "url": "https://cltr.douglascountynv.gov/elections/2026-election-information/2026_general_election/state_ballot_questions" } ], "baseline": "The proposed constitutional identification requirements received a first approval in 2024 and need a second approval.", "ai_summary": "Would require photo identification for in-person voting and specified identifying information for mail voting, such as the last four digits of a driver’s-license or Social Security number.", "yes_effect": "Complete the second approval and adopt the identification amendment.", "no_effect": "Reject this constitutional amendment at its second vote.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Second consecutive general-election approval is required; this is the second vote.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NH-2026-Question 1", "state": "NH", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "Register of probate", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Hampshire", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nh-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Hampshire official election evidence", "url": "https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/open-government/election-information/2026-general-election/" } ], "baseline": "The constitution retains elected registers of probate, although court-reorganization changes transferred their duties to court staff.", "ai_summary": "Would remove the register-of-probate office from the constitution. This does not abolish probate courts or their work.", "yes_effect": "Remove the constitutional office.", "no_effect": "Retain the office in the constitution.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Two-thirds of votes on the amendment; blanks are excluded.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "NM", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Written veto explanations", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The governor can use a pocket veto, allowing certain bills to fail without a written veto explanation after the session.", "ai_summary": "Would require written messages for whole or partial vetoes and let bills become law when the governor takes no action within the applicable period.", "yes_effect": "End the pocket-veto mechanism and require written explanations.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing veto framework.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Amendment 2", "state": "NM", "designation": "Amendment 2", "title": "School-election scheduling", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-amendment-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution requires school elections to be held separately from partisan elections.", "ai_summary": "Would remove that scheduling requirement so school elections could be held alongside partisan elections. It does not itself make school candidates partisan.", "yes_effect": "Remove the separate-election requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep the constitutional scheduling requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "NM", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "University regent nominations", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The governor appoints regents under current constitutional rules without the proposed nominating-list process.", "ai_summary": "Would require regent nominating committees to supply candidates for nonstudent appointments and elected student bodies to nominate student regents. Nonstudent nominees could not have changed party registration during the preceding twelve months.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the nomination and party-registration rules.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing appointment process.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Amendment 4", "state": "NM", "designation": "Amendment 4", "title": "Legislative compensation", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The official guide’s reproduced resolution contains a conflicting 2028 submission date, although the Secretary of State’s final 2026 question list includes this measure. The discrepancy is retained for follow-up." ], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-amendment-4/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Legislators receive per diem and mileage but no legislative salary.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize compensation tied to New Mexico’s median household income, in addition to per diem and mileage. Compensation would adjust with the median, and the prohibition on other allowances would be removed.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the compensation framework with delayed implementation.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing no-salary arrangement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "The voter guide describes implementation for the legislature seated in 2029.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Bond Question 1", "state": "NM", "designation": "Bond Question 1", "title": "Senior facilities", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-bond-question-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The state does not yet have voter authorization for this proposed bond issue.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize up to $21,582,213 in general obligation bonds for senior facilities, including eligible projects and equipment. Property taxes would support principal, interest and issuance costs.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the borrowing and related property-tax levy.", "no_effect": "Do not authorize this bond issue.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal authorization: up to $21,582,213. Interest and issuance costs are additional; no per-household estimate is recorded here.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Bond Question 2", "state": "NM", "designation": "Bond Question 2", "title": "Libraries", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-bond-question-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The state does not yet have voter authorization for this proposed bond issue.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize up to $19,324,188 in general obligation bonds for libraries, including eligible projects and equipment. Property taxes would support principal, interest and issuance costs.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the borrowing and related property-tax levy.", "no_effect": "Do not authorize this bond issue.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal authorization: up to $19,324,188. Interest and issuance costs are additional; no per-household estimate is recorded here.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NM-2026-Bond Question 3", "state": "NM", "designation": "Bond Question 3", "title": "Higher education and special schools", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "New Mexico", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nm-2026-bond-question-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "New Mexico official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Voter-Guide-English.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The state does not yet have voter authorization for this proposed bond issue.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize up to $352,225,379 in general obligation bonds for higher education and special schools, including eligible projects and equipment. Property taxes would support principal, interest and issuance costs.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the borrowing and related property-tax levy.", "no_effect": "Do not authorize this bond issue.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal authorization: up to $352,225,379. Interest and issuance costs are additional; no per-household estimate is recorded here.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NC-2026-Income-tax amendment", "state": "NC", "designation": "Income-tax amendment", "title": "Maximum state income-tax rate", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "North Carolina", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nc-2026-income-tax-amendment/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "North Carolina official election evidence", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/Files/LegislativeAnalysis/SummariesPublication/2026/Constitution%20and%20Elections.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution permits an income-tax rate up to 7%. This is a ceiling, not the rate every taxpayer pays.", "ai_summary": "Would lower the constitutional maximum income-tax rate to 3.5%. Actual tax rates would still be set by law within that ceiling.", "yes_effect": "Lower the constitutional ceiling to 3.5%.", "no_effect": "Keep the 7% ceiling.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NC-2026-Property-tax amendment", "state": "NC", "designation": "Property-tax amendment", "title": "Local property-tax levy limits", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "North Carolina", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nc-2026-property-tax-amendment/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "North Carolina official election evidence", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/Files/LegislativeAnalysis/SummariesPublication/2026/Constitution%20and%20Elections.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not require the proposed general-law limits on local property-tax levy growth.", "ai_summary": "Would require the legislature to limit increases in local property-tax levies by general law, while allowing exceptions. The ballot amendment does not itself state a single numerical cap.", "yes_effect": "Require the legislature to establish levy-growth limits.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional framework.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Upon certification of the referendum results.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "NC-2026-Voter-ID amendment", "state": "NC", "designation": "Voter-ID amendment", "title": "Photo identification for all voting methods", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "North Carolina", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nc-2026-voter-id-amendment/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "North Carolina official election evidence", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2023-2024/SL2024-58.html" }, { "name": "North Carolina official election evidence", "url": "https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-id" } ], "baseline": "The constitution’s photo-ID language addresses in-person voting. Current election law also requires mail voters to provide identification or qualify for an exception.", "ai_summary": "Would extend the constitutional photo-ID requirement to all voters, rather than only those voting in person. Detailed procedures and exceptions remain matters of law.", "yes_effect": "Expand the constitutional requirement to all voting methods.", "no_effect": "Keep existing constitutional language; a no vote does not repeal current ID statutes.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "OH-2026-Issue 3", "state": "OH", "designation": "Issue 3", "title": "Constitutional voter identification", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Ohio", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/oh-2026-issue-3/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Ohio official election evidence", "url": "https://www.ohiosos.gov/assets/2026-11-statewide-issue-3-report.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Ohio already has statutory voter-ID requirements. The proposal would place requirements and specified exceptions in the constitution.", "ai_summary": "Would require qualifying unexpired government photo ID for voting, with an alternative for sincere religious objections and a possible signature-plus-identifier alternative for voting outside a polling place.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional identification framework.", "no_effect": "Leave current statutes without this constitutional addition.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Immediately upon voter approval.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "OK-2026-State Question 845", "state": "OK", "designation": "State Question 845", "title": "Judicial Nominating Commission", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "This summary uses the corrected final ballot title. Earlier pages in the same official PDF incorrectly reverse the two-year and six-year terms." ], "state_name": "Oklahoma", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ok-2026-state-question-845/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Oklahoma official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/questions/845.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The commission’s constitutional structure uses older congressional-district boundaries and restrictions on professional, family and party connections.", "ai_summary": "Would use current districts for appointments, retain fifteen commissioners and change membership eligibility and term rules. At-large members would serve two-year terms; others six-year terms. It removes specified lawyer, family, party and successive-term restrictions.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised commission rules.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing commission rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The corrected official ballot title states that the measure has no fiscal impact.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "OK-2026-State Question 847", "state": "OK", "designation": "State Question 847", "title": "Property assessments and senior limits", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The senior tiers use income relative to the HUD county or metropolitan median: up to 100%, over 100–120%, 120–140%, 140–160%, 160–180%, and above 180%. Assessment limits do not guarantee a lower tax bill." ], "state_name": "Oklahoma", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ok-2026-state-question-847/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Oklahoma official election evidence", "url": "https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/questions/847.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Annual fair-cash-value growth is generally capped at 5%, or 3% for homesteads and agricultural land. Some qualifying seniors receive an assessment freeze.", "ai_summary": "Would lower those caps to 4% and 1.75% from 2027. For homeowners age 65 or older, it replaces the current eligibility structure with income-based assessment limits: no increase at or below the area median income, then 0.35%, 0.7%, 1.05%, 1.4% or 1.75% as income rises.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the lower general caps and redesigned senior schedule.", "no_effect": "Keep existing caps and senior-freeze eligibility.", "fiscal_impact": "The official final ballot title says there would be a fiscal impact on the state, but its exact amount is unknown.", "effective_date": "Tax year 2027 onward for the new assessment caps.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "VT-2026-Proposal 3", "state": "VT", "designation": "Proposal 3", "title": "Collective bargaining", "topic": "Labor", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Vermont", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/vt-2026-proposal-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Vermont official election evidence", "url": "https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/Elections_Division/voters/voter_guide/072081.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Labor rights currently rely on existing law without this proposed explicit constitutional guarantee.", "ai_summary": "Would protect employees’ right to organize and bargain through a chosen representative over wages, hours, conditions and safety. It would also prohibit laws blocking agreements that require union membership as a condition of employment.", "yes_effect": "Add the collective-bargaining guarantee and restrictions on interfering laws.", "no_effect": "Do not add the new constitutional provision; existing labor law remains.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "VT-2026-Proposal 4", "state": "VT", "designation": "Proposal 4", "title": "Equal protection", "topic": "Civil rights", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Vermont", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/vt-2026-proposal-4/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Vermont official election evidence", "url": "https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/Elections_Division/voters/voter_guide/072081.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing constitutional and statutory protections remain; this proposal would add an express equal-treatment provision naming protected characteristics.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit the state from denying equal treatment because of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin. It expressly preserves measures intended to improve equality for groups historically subject to discrimination.", "yes_effect": "Add the express equal-treatment provision and its stated exception.", "no_effect": "Retain existing protections without the new article.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WI-2026-Question 1", "state": "WI", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "Governor’s partial veto and taxes", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Wisconsin", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wi-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Wisconsin official election evidence", "url": "https://landolakeswi.gov/news-and-notices/notice-of-referendum-election-nov-3-2026/" } ], "baseline": "The governor has constitutional partial-veto authority over appropriation bills, subject to existing limits.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit using a partial veto to create, increase or authorize a tax or fee.", "yes_effect": "Add this limit to partial-veto authority.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional limits.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WI-2026-Question 2", "state": "WI", "designation": "Question 2", "title": "Worship during emergencies", "topic": "Civil rights", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Wisconsin", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wi-2026-question-2/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Wisconsin official election evidence", "url": "https://landolakeswi.gov/news-and-notices/notice-of-referendum-election-nov-3-2026/" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not contain this specific prohibition on closing places of worship during an emergency.", "ai_summary": "Would bar state and local government from closing places of worship or forbidding their gatherings during a declared emergency, including a public-health emergency.", "yes_effect": "Add the emergency-related protection.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional framework.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WI-2026-Question 3", "state": "WI", "designation": "Question 3", "title": "Government discrimination and preferences", "topic": "Civil rights", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Wisconsin", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wi-2026-question-3/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Wisconsin official election evidence", "url": "https://landolakeswi.gov/news-and-notices/notice-of-referendum-election-nov-3-2026/" } ], "baseline": "Existing civil-rights protections apply without this proposed express constitutional provision covering preferential treatment.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit government discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, education, contracting and administration.", "yes_effect": "Add the proposed constitutional prohibition.", "no_effect": "Keep existing protections without this additional provision.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 1", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 1", "title": "Housing bonds", "topic": "Housing", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "California already funds housing and veterans’ mortgages through several programs; this new bond authorization does not yet exist.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize $11.25 billion in bonds: $10 billion for affordable housing, homebuyer assistance, infrastructure and related programs, plus $1.25 billion for veterans’ home loans. Veterans’ loan repayments would cover that portion; general revenues would repay the other borrowing.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the bonds and specified housing programs.", "no_effect": "Do not authorize these new bonds.", "fiscal_impact": "Legislative Analyst estimate: $500 million–$600 million annually for about 25 years from the General Fund. Veterans’ repayments are expected to cover their $1.25 billion portion without direct state cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 2", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 2", "title": "Rainy-day reserves and debt payments", "topic": "Budget", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-2/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Required rainy-day deposits stop at 10% of General Fund tax revenues; required extra debt payments end in 2030. Deposits generally count against the spending limit.", "ai_summary": "Would raise the reserve target to 20%, increase deposits in strong revenue years and extend extra debt payments through 2040 while broadening their uses. Certain reserve deposits would count against the spending limit when withdrawn rather than when deposited.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the higher savings target and revised debt and spending-limit rules.", "no_effect": "Keep the current reserve and debt-payment rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The Legislative Analyst expects higher reserves and potentially more extra debt repayments; no single dollar estimate is given.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 3", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 3", "title": "Make high-income tax rates permanent", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-3/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Voter-approved higher income-tax brackets expire after 2030. Lower brackets are unaffected by that scheduled expiration.", "ai_summary": "Would make the temporary higher rates permanent. The 2025 thresholds start at about $371,000 for single filers,$742,000 for joint filers and $505,000 for heads of household, adjusted annually. Revenue supports education and makes other General Fund resources available for health and other services.", "yes_effect": "Continue the higher brackets permanently.", "no_effect": "Keep their scheduled expiration in 2031.", "fiscal_impact": "Legislative Analyst estimate: preserves $5 billion–$15 billion annually compared with allowing expiration.", "effective_date": "The revenue difference from expiration begins in 2031.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 4", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 4", "title": "Public campaign financing", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-4/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Public financing of candidates’ campaigns is generally prohibited, with exceptions for certain charter local governments.", "ai_summary": "Would let state and local governments create public campaign-financing programs. Candidates would need to meet eligibility and spending rules; education, transportation and public-safety funds could not be used. It also triples the maximum foreign-contribution fine. It does not itself create a financing program.", "yes_effect": "Allow qualifying public-financing programs under the new rules.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing prohibition and exceptions.", "fiscal_impact": "A few hundred thousand dollars annually for state guidance; costs of any future financing programs depend on governments’ choices.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 5", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 5", "title": "Recall election vacancies", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-5/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Recall ballots ask both whether to remove a state officer and who should replace that person.", "ai_summary": "Would remove the replacement-candidate question. Vacancies would instead follow appointment or later-election procedures. The lieutenant governor would succeed a recalled governor, with a later election required for certain early-term vacancies; a recalled officer could run in that later election.", "yes_effect": "Use the new vacancy procedures after a recall.", "no_effect": "Keep choosing a replacement on the recall ballot.", "fiscal_impact": "The Legislative Analyst finds an unknown net effect; a future recall could produce millions in election costs or savings depending on the office and timing.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 37", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 37", "title": "Loans for buyers of new homes", "topic": "Housing", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-37/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing homebuyer-assistance programs operate without this new revenue-bond-backed program.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize up to $25 billion in revenue bonds for loans covering up to 17% of a qualifying new home’s price. Buyers must contribute at least 3%, meet residency and income rules and occupy the home. Borrower payments cover bonds and administration. An optional builder pathway combines labor standards with different construction-defect rules.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the new loan program and related builder option.", "no_effect": "Leave current programs and construction-defect rules unchanged.", "fiscal_impact": "The Legislative Analyst estimates no direct state or local costs because borrower payments finance the program; participation and housing effects are uncertain.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 38", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 38", "title": "Immunology research bonds", "topic": "Health", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-38/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "California has issued bonds for other medical research, but this proposed immunology and immunotherapy authorization is new.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize $8.4 billion in bonds, split between a qualifying UC-affiliated nonprofit institute and competitive grants. At least half supports cancer, heart-disease and Alzheimer’s research. It requires reporting, state revenue sharing and generally a 20% California discount on resulting treatments.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the bonds and research framework.", "no_effect": "Do not authorize this new borrowing.", "fiscal_impact": "Estimated General Fund repayments of $500 million–$600 million annually for about 20 years. Research revenue could offset costs over later decades, but is uncertain.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 39", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 39", "title": "Voter identification and citizenship verification", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-39/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Most in-person voters sign the voter list; mail ballots are signature-verified. Citizenship is already required in state and federal elections.", "ai_summary": "Would require government-issued ID in person and the last four digits of a designated government ID number on mail-ballot envelopes. It also requires free voter-ID cards, citizenship-verification efforts and reports, and regular compliance audits. Legislative action would supply implementation details.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the additional identification and verification requirements.", "no_effect": "Retain existing identification and verification rules.", "fiscal_impact": "Estimated state and local costs range from tens of millions to low hundreds of millions of dollars each year, depending on implementation.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 40", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 40", "title": "One-time wealth tax", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment and statute", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The official guide says Proposition40 could be blocked if conflicting Proposition41 or42 passes with more yes votes; courts may need to resolve the conflict." ], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-40/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "California taxes income but does not impose this proposed one-time tax on covered wealth.", "ai_summary": "Would tax certain taxpayers with covered assets over $1 billion at up to 5%, based on California residency on January 1,2026. Real estate and some pensions and retirement accounts are excluded. Ninety percent of revenue supports health care; the remainder supports food assistance, education and administration, outside specified constitutional budget requirements.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the tax and earmarked spending rules.", "no_effect": "Do not enact this wealth tax.", "fiscal_impact": "The Legislative Analyst estimates temporary revenue in the tens of billions over several years, possible ongoing income-tax losses below $1 billion annually, and administration costs in the tens of millions annually for several years.", "effective_date": "Tax due in 2027, with an optional five-year payment schedule at additional cost; residency date January 1,2026.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 41", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 41", "title": "Special-tax audits and spending limits", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The official guide says Proposition40 could be blocked if conflicting Proposition41 or42 passes with more yes votes; courts may need to resolve the conflict." ], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-41/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing law has a state spending limit and audit authority, but not these mandatory special-tax reviews or new-tax restrictions.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit new state taxes that exclude revenue from the spending limit. It requires pre-election audits after a citizen tax proposal reaches 25% of required signatures, plus four-year audits of programs receiving new or increased special taxes enacted after January 1,2026.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the audit requirements and spending-limit restriction.", "no_effect": "Keep existing audit and spending-limit rules.", "fiscal_impact": "Net effect unknown. Audit costs are likely in the low millions annually and grow over time; most approved-tax audit costs come from those revenues. Savings depend on future action.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 42", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 42", "title": "Restrictions on personal-property and retroactive taxes", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The official guide says Proposition40 could be blocked if conflicting Proposition41 or42 passes with more yes votes; courts may need to resolve the conflict." ], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-42/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Some personal property is taxed, but ownership of financial assets generally is not. The proposed restrictions on new state taxes do not yet apply.", "ai_summary": "Would bar new state taxes on ownership of personal property, including financial assets, and certain taxes based on conduct or status predating their effective date. The restrictions apply to taxes enacted or taking effect from January 1,2026.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the new constitutional tax restrictions.", "no_effect": "Retain the current tax-authorization framework.", "fiscal_impact": "Future revenue could be lower than otherwise, but timing and amount depend on future tax proposals.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 43", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 43", "title": "Approval threshold for local special-tax initiatives", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-43/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Local-government-proposed special taxes need two-thirds approval; voter-initiated local special taxes can pass by a simple majority under court decisions.", "ai_summary": "Would require two-thirds approval for local special taxes proposed through voter petitions, including new taxes, increases and extensions. It would apply to measures approved after January 1,2027.", "yes_effect": "Raise the approval threshold for these local tax initiatives.", "no_effect": "Retain the current majority threshold for voter-initiated local special taxes.", "fiscal_impact": "Local tax revenues could rise less than otherwise; the amount depends on future measures and votes.", "effective_date": "Applies to voter-proposed measures approved after January 1,2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 44", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 44", "title": "Community-clinic spending requirements", "topic": "Health", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-44/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Nonprofit community clinics report revenues and expenses but do not face this proposed 90% program-services rule.", "ai_summary": "Would require covered nonprofit federally qualified health centers to spend 90% of revenue on program services advancing their charitable purpose. Shortfalls trigger monetary penalties, potentially refunded after compliance within five years. It allows exceptional waivers, state guidance and criminal charges for false reporting or artificial inflation of the ratio.", "yes_effect": "Apply the spending standard, reporting and enforcement rules.", "no_effect": "Keep existing clinic requirements.", "fiscal_impact": "State enforcement costs estimated in the low tens of millions annually, paid through fees on affected clinics. Other health-system effects are uncertain.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CA-2026-Proposition 45", "state": "CA", "designation": "Proposition 45", "title": "Environmental review of designated projects", "topic": "Environment", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Eligible categories exclude Delta conveyance facilities, nuclear power and high-speed rail. This is not a blanket CEQA repeal." ], "state_name": "California", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ca-2026-proposition-45/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "California official voter guide, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://vig.cdn.sos.ca.gov/2026/general/pdf/complete-vig.pdf" }, { "name": "California constitutional majority-vote rules, ArticleII section10 and ArticleXVIII section4", "url": "https://clerk.assembly.ca.gov/sites/clerk.assembly.ca.gov/files/2023-24_Constitution_Final_wCover.pdf" } ], "baseline": "CEQA review generally evaluates environmental effects and feasible alternatives, with public review and judicial remedies; existing exemptions also apply.", "ai_summary": "Would offer new review procedures for designated housing, infrastructure, health, education, clean-energy and other projects. It imposes tighter deadlines, changes alternative analysis and tribal consultation, limits comment periods and narrows court review and remedies. Applicants could choose the new or existing process.", "yes_effect": "Allow the alternative review and court procedures.", "no_effect": "Retain existing environmental-review procedures.", "fiscal_impact": "Initial state and local costs could reach the high tens of millions annually or exceed $100 million, partly covered by fees. Longer-term fiscal effects could be positive or negative and are uncertain.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the proposition.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 81", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 81", "title": "Immigration notifications after criminal charges", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-81/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "State law allows cooperation in federal criminal matters but restricts civil-immigration information sharing; it does not require these notifications.", "ai_summary": "Would require reasonable efforts to determine lawful presence after a violent-crime charge, or any charge against someone with a prior felony. If lawful presence cannot be confirmed, covered officials must notify federal homeland-security authorities within 72 hours. The trigger is a charge, not a conviction.", "yes_effect": "Require the specified status checks and notifications.", "no_effect": "Keep current cooperation and information-sharing rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 55% of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 82", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 82", "title": "Constitutional right to natural gas", "topic": "Energy", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-82/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "State and local governments regulate natural-gas service and appliances without this explicit constitutional right.", "ai_summary": "Would protect consumers’ right to buy natural gas for cooking or heating and distributors’ and utilities’ right to sell it for homes and businesses. The effect on existing regulations would depend on interpretation.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional gas-purchase and sale rights.", "no_effect": "Keep existing law without the new constitutional right.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 55% of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 83", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 83", "title": "Constitutional right to hunt and fish", "topic": "Environment", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-83/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Hunting and fishing are permitted under existing state and federal conservation and licensing rules.", "ai_summary": "Would create a constitutional right to hunt and fish by traditional methods and make these preferred wildlife-management tools. It excludes nongame and endangered species and federally prohibited hunting, preserves private-property rules, and allows regulation for science-based conservation, public safety and future opportunities.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional right and management policy.", "no_effect": "Keep hunting and fishing under the existing legal framework.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 55% of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 84", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 84", "title": "Identification numbers on mail ballots", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-84/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Mail ballots use signature verification, with a correction process; this additional ID-number requirement does not apply.", "ai_summary": "Would require a signature plus the last four digits of a Social Security or qualifying Colorado ID number for federal and statewide mail ballots. Missing or mismatched information must be corrected within eight days after Election Day, with alternative ID options. In-person ID rules would not change.", "yes_effect": "Add the mail-ballot ID requirement and correction rules.", "no_effect": "Keep current mail-ballot signature verification.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 55% of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 85", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 85", "title": "Plain-language ballot titles", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-85/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "State law already requires plain ballot language, without a specified school-grade standard.", "ai_summary": "Would require state and local ballot titles to be written at no more than an eighth-grade reading level. Laws requiring wording that interferes with plain language could not apply to citizen initiatives. The measure does not designate who decides compliance.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional readability standard.", "no_effect": "Keep existing plain-language laws.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 55% of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 86", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 86", "title": "Off-cycle congressional redistricting", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-86/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution provides an independent-commission process after each census but no specific off-cycle process.", "ai_summary": "Would require the independent congressional commission and state Supreme Court to approve off-cycle map changes after at least three public hearings. Such changes could not intentionally favor a party or unnecessarily divide communities of interest.", "yes_effect": "Apply the new safeguards to off-cycle maps.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional process.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "At least 55% of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Amendment 87", "state": "CO", "designation": "Amendment 87", "title": "Graduated income tax", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment and statute", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Potential conflict with Proposition136 if both pass; the legislature or a court may need to resolve it. Rates apply only to income within each bracket, not all income." ], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-amendment-87/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Colorado’s constitution requires a flat income-tax rate; the current rate is 4.4%.", "ai_summary": "Would replace the flat rate with six marginal brackets from 3.7% to 8.4%, starting in 2027. Additional revenue would supplement education, health and early-childhood programs and be exempt from TABOR. Brackets would not be inflation-indexed; principal-residence sale income retains 4.4% treatment.", "yes_effect": "Adopt graduated rates and dedicated additional revenue.", "no_effect": "Keep the flat-rate requirement and current rate.", "fiscal_impact": "Blue Book fiscal estimate: $958.4 million additional revenue in 2026–27 and $1.972 billion in 2027–28. The ballot’s $2.7 billion figure is not the current first-full-year estimate.", "effective_date": "Tax years beginning January 1,2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast; the constitutional component is a repeal.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition NN", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition NN", "title": "Retain revenue for education and other purposes", "topic": "Budget", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-nn/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Revenue above the TABOR limit is generally refunded unless voters authorize retention.", "ai_summary": "Would permit retention up to a new limit linked to public-school spending. After existing property-tax reimbursements, money would support K–12 education and children’s programs for ten years; later it could also support other legislative priorities. Spending reports and audits are required.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the higher retention limit and required spending.", "no_effect": "Keep current TABOR refund and spending rules.", "fiscal_impact": "Estimated net state-spending increase and refund reduction: $329.9 million in 2026–27 and $521 million in 2027–28. Actual effects vary with revenue; ordinary overpayment tax refunds are unaffected.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition 132", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition 132", "title": "Fentanyl offense penalties", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-132/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Penalties depend on quantity and circumstances; some low-level possession is a misdemeanor and some offenses qualify for treatment or reduced penalties.", "ai_summary": "Would make possession of any amount of covered fentanyl substances a felony and require 8–32 years for distribution. It limits mitigating-factor and Good Samaritan reductions for distribution. Possession below one gram could still be reduced after successful required treatment.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the increased classifications and sentencing rules.", "no_effect": "Keep current quantity-based penalties and alternatives.", "fiscal_impact": "State costs estimated at $0.9 million in year 1,$8.9 million in year 2 and $68.2 million in year 5; additional prison space and local prosecution costs may also be needed.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition 133", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition 133", "title": "Penalties for trafficking a minor", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-133/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Child sex-trafficking convictions currently carry prison ranges of 8–48 years plus parole, subject to applicable law.", "ai_summary": "Would require life without parole for child sex trafficking and add buying sexual activity with a minor to the covered acts. Existing protections for trafficking victims remain.", "yes_effect": "Expand the offense and require life without parole.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing offense and sentencing framework.", "fiscal_impact": "Prison costs are estimated to begin at $180,000 in 2041–42 and grow in subsequent years; timing depends on sentences and cases.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition 134", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition 134", "title": "Sex-based school and college sports", "topic": "Education", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Covers public and private school sports through college, including intramurals; independent youth leagues are excluded. Interaction with discrimination law may require legal resolution." ], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-134/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Schools and athletic associations set eligibility policies within current state and federal law, including state gender-identity protections.", "ai_summary": "Would designate school-based teams male, female or mixed and assign participation by the measure’s definition of biological sex. Females could join male teams if no female equivalent exists. Schools would set verification policies; the proposal also bars penalties for designating female-only teams.", "yes_effect": "Apply the sex-based team and participation rules.", "no_effect": "Keep current eligibility policies under existing law.", "fiscal_impact": "School policy-update costs are expected to be small; state legal and compliance costs are indeterminate.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition 135", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition 135", "title": "Restrictions on certain surgeries for minors", "topic": "Health", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-135/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Colorado law protects access to covered medically necessary surgeries and allows insurance or public-program payment under existing rules.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit surgery altering a minor’s sex characteristics when performed in response to the minor’s perception of sex or gender, and prohibit public or insurance payment. Exceptions include circumcision and specified sex-development or acquired physical conditions. Nonsurgical treatments are outside this ban.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the surgery and payment restrictions.", "no_effect": "Keep existing law and coverage rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The Blue Book expects minimal government implementation costs and potential savings, assuming compliance; litigation could add costs.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition 136", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition 136", "title": "Income-tax rate limit", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Conflicts may arise with Amendment87 if both pass; the precise resolution is uncertain." ], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-136/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The current state income-tax rate is 4.4%; increases already require voter approval.", "ai_summary": "Would set 4.4% as the statutory maximum from 2027. It does not reduce the current rate or change the process by which voters could approve future increases.", "yes_effect": "Set the proposed statutory ceiling.", "no_effect": "Leave the current rate without this additional ceiling.", "fiscal_impact": "No fiscal effect under current rates according to the Blue Book.", "effective_date": "January 1,2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "CO-2026-Proposition 137", "state": "CO", "designation": "Proposition 137", "title": "Sporting-goods sales tax for conservation", "topic": "Environment", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Colorado", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/co-2026-proposition-137/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Colorado official Blue Book, analyses and full texts", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/2026-blue-book-en-accessible.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing sporting-goods sales-tax revenue goes to the general budget and is subject to TABOR refunds.", "ai_summary": "Would direct that existing revenue to conservation, wildfire mitigation, watershed restoration and outdoor programs without raising the tax rate. The retained amount would be exempt from TABOR, with adjustments to protect specified family tax credits.", "yes_effect": "Dedicate the revenue and exempt it from TABOR.", "no_effect": "Keep revenue available for general priorities or required refunds.", "fiscal_impact": "Estimated transfers of $175 million in 2027–28 and $180.2 million in 2028–29; TABOR refunds fall in years above the limit.", "effective_date": "Funding begins in budget year 2027–28.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "HI-2026-Question 1", "state": "HI", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "Time for judicial confirmations", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Hawaii", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/hi-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Hawaii official amendment questions and approval rules", "url": "https://elections.hawaii.gov/voting/2026-proposed-amendments-to-the-hawaii-state-constitution/" } ], "baseline": "The Senate has 30 days to act on judicial appointments.", "ai_summary": "Would extend the period to 60 days for appointments made between April 1 and December 31, when the Senate is out of regular session or nearing adjournment.", "yes_effect": "Allow the longer confirmation period for those appointments.", "no_effect": "Keep the 30-day period.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Yes must exceed half of valid yes/no votes and equal at least 50% of all votes cast, including blank and overvotes.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "HI-2026-Question 2", "state": "HI", "designation": "Question 2", "title": "RISE infrastructure bonds", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Hawaii", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/hi-2026-question-2/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Hawaii official amendment questions and approval rules", "url": "https://elections.hawaii.gov/voting/2026-proposed-amendments-to-the-hawaii-state-constitution/" }, { "name": "Hawaii RISE bond constitutional text", "url": "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB3219_CD1_.HTM" } ], "baseline": "The constitution has county borrowing and debt-limit rules but not this RISE bond category and exclusion.", "ai_summary": "Would direct the legislature to authorize counties to issue Resilient Infrastructure for Shelter and Equity bonds for designated housing-related public improvements. Repayment would come solely from growth in property-tax revenue within designated districts, without increasing rates, and the bonds would be excluded from county debt limits.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the constitutional RISE bond framework.", "no_effect": "Keep existing borrowing and debt-limit provisions.", "fiscal_impact": "No fixed bond issue or statewide dollar authorization is set by this amendment. Future district property-tax growth would secure bonds under implementing law.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Yes must exceed half of valid yes/no votes and equal at least 50% of all votes cast, including blank and overvotes.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "ID-2026-HJR 4", "state": "ID", "designation": "HJR 4", "title": "Legislative authority over drug legalization", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Idaho", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/id-2026-hjr-4/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Idaho official voter pamphlet", "url": "https://archive.voteidaho.gov/download/2026_Voter_Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Citizens can use the initiative process to change controlled-substance laws.", "ai_summary": "Would give only the legislature authority to legalize marijuana, narcotics or other psychoactive substances, removing citizen initiatives as a route for those changes. It does not itself legalize or newly prohibit a particular substance.", "yes_effect": "Make legislative authority exclusive.", "no_effect": "Retain the initiative route under existing constitutional rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Immediately upon voter adoption.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "ID-2026-HJR 6", "state": "ID", "designation": "HJR 6", "title": "English as the official language", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Idaho", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/id-2026-hjr-6/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Idaho official voter pamphlet", "url": "https://archive.voteidaho.gov/download/2026_Voter_Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "State statute already identifies English as the official language, but the constitution does not.", "ai_summary": "Would designate English as the official language in the constitution and require its use in public proceedings, documents, instruction and other acts of public institutions, except where federal law requires otherwise.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional language requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep existing law without this constitutional provision.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "ID-2026-Proposition 1", "state": "ID", "designation": "Proposition 1", "title": "Reproductive freedom and privacy", "topic": "Health", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "This summary describes the law’s physical-health emergency standard and does not imply unrestricted abortion after viability." ], "state_name": "Idaho", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/id-2026-proposition-1/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Idaho official voter pamphlet", "url": "https://archive.voteidaho.gov/download/2026_Voter_Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Idaho generally prohibits abortion except to prevent death and in specified first-trimester rape or incest cases; this broader statutory reproductive right is absent.", "ai_summary": "Would protect private reproductive decisions, including abortion before viability and afterward in medical emergencies involving life or serious physical-health risks. It protects lawful assistance and providers from penalties, while preserving malpractice claims and conscience protections. It does not create a state duty to pay for care.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the statutory reproductive-rights framework.", "no_effect": "Keep current abortion and reproductive-health laws.", "fiscal_impact": "The state fiscal statement estimates $3,100–$7,800 in additional annual Medicaid expenditure using a limited model of medication-abortion complications; it could not reliably quantify all possible effects.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "ID-2026-HB 932 advisory question", "state": "ID", "designation": "HB 932 advisory question", "title": "Official state gun preference", "topic": "Government", "type": "Advisory question", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Do not interpret this question as changing firearm ownership or carry laws." ], "state_name": "Idaho", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/id-2026-hb-932-advisory-question/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Idaho official voter pamphlet", "url": "https://archive.voteidaho.gov/download/2026_Voter_Pamphlet.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The legislature has not designated an official state gun through this advisory vote.", "ai_summary": "Asks voters to choose one of six firearms as their preferred official state gun. The result is advisory: a future legislature would need to act to make a designation.", "yes_effect": "Not applicable: this is a six-choice advisory question, not a yes/no measure.", "no_effect": "Not applicable: voters select one option; the result does not itself enact a law.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "No automatic legal effect; a future legislative act would be required.", "passage_rule": "Nonbinding preference question; select one of six options.", "advisory_effect": "The selected firearm expresses a voter preference only. The vote does not designate a state gun or change firearm law; a future legislature must enact a designation.", "choices": [ "Winchester Model 1894 (.30-30)", "Winchester Model 1873 (.44-40)", "1873 Colt Single Action Army Revolver (.45 Colt)", "M1 Garand (.30-06)", "Colt M1911 (.45 ACP)", "Remington Model 700 (.30-06)" ], "voting_format": "multiple_choice" }, { "id": "MT-2026-CI-132", "state": "MT", "designation": "CI-132", "title": "Nonpartisan judicial elections", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Montana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mt-2026-ci-132/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Montana certified statewide ballot roster", "url": "https://sosmt.gov/elections/ballot_issues/proposed-2026-ballot-issues/" }, { "name": "Montana official CI-132 full text", "url": "https://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/wpfd/preview_files/CI-132%283a70e31b2fe58baa619ffb1d9b23c8ff%29.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Montana judicial elections are nonpartisan under existing law.", "ai_summary": "Would place a requirement that judicial elections remain nonpartisan in the constitution.", "yes_effect": "Make nonpartisan judicial elections a constitutional requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing statutory framework.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MT-2026-CI-133", "state": "MT", "designation": "CI-133", "title": "Initiative and referendum rights", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The text permits burdens justified by a compelling government interest achieved through the least restrictive means." ], "state_name": "Montana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mt-2026-ci-133/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Montana certified statewide ballot roster", "url": "https://sosmt.gov/elections/ballot_issues/proposed-2026-ballot-issues/" }, { "name": "Montana official CI-133 full text", "url": "https://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/wpfd/preview_files/CI-133%28ba9d97da675a9f26f24b5f9e333b35b7%29.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution reserves initiative and referendum powers, with qualification processes governed by existing law.", "ai_summary": "Would protect those powers against unjustified government burdens, require petition approval and related legal review within 90 days, protect signature gathering and minor technical defects, permit timely withdrawals, and prohibit government resources supporting or opposing ballot issues. Qualification challenges must end before ballots are finalized.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the new rights and process guarantees.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional and statutory process.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Effective on voter approval; self-executing.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MT-2026-I-194", "state": "MT", "designation": "I-194", "title": "Political spending by corporations and other entities", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The media exception excludes publishers controlled by a candidate, party or political committee. This summary describes proposed law, not a prediction of its enforceability." ], "state_name": "Montana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mt-2026-i-194/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Montana certified statewide ballot roster", "url": "https://sosmt.gov/elections/ballot_issues/proposed-2026-ballot-issues/" }, { "name": "Montana official I-194 full text", "url": "https://sosmt.gov/wp-content/uploads/wpfd/preview_files/I-194%28d4249530242056d948420c5212f6f750%29.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Montana entity law does not impose this proposed blanket exclusion of political spending from corporate and similar legal powers.", "ai_summary": "Would remove political-spending authority from covered corporations, nonprofits, trusts and other entities operating in Montana. Violations would forfeit state-conferred privileges; reinstatement requires returning the spending and meeting compliance conditions. Individuals, political committees, public bodies and qualifying news or editorial activity are excepted.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the entity-power restrictions and enforcement framework.", "no_effect": "Keep existing entity and political-spending law.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1,2027.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "ND-2026-Measure 1", "state": "ND", "designation": "Measure 1", "title": "Approval threshold for constitutional amendments", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "North Dakota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nd-2026-measure-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "North Dakota approved general-election measures", "url": "https://www.sos.nd.gov/elections/voter/ballot-measures/measures-ballot" }, { "name": "North Dakota official Measure1 analysis", "url": "https://www.sos.nd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/elections/measures/analysis-2026-general-measure1.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Constitutional amendments currently pass with a simple majority.", "ai_summary": "Would require 60% approval for constitutional amendments, whether proposed by petition or by the legislature, instead of a simple majority.", "yes_effect": "Raise the future amendment approval threshold to 60%.", "no_effect": "Keep the current majority threshold.", "fiscal_impact": "The Secretary of State lists no fiscal impact.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "ND-2026-Measure 2", "state": "ND", "designation": "Measure 2", "title": "School meals without charges to families", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Higher education is excluded." ], "state_name": "North Dakota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/nd-2026-measure-2/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "North Dakota approved general-election measures", "url": "https://www.sos.nd.gov/elections/voter/ballot-measures/measures-ballot" }, { "name": "North Dakota school-meals full text", "url": "https://www.sos.nd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/elections/measures/schoollunches-measure-full-text.pdf" }, { "name": "North Dakota Legislative Council fiscal estimate", "url": "https://www.sos.nd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/elections/measures/schoollunches-fiscal-impact.pdf" } ], "baseline": "School meals rely on existing federal and state programs; there is no universal constitutional right to the proposed meals.", "ai_summary": "Would require public schools, including charters, to provide breakfast and lunch free to every enrolled student each school day. Nonpublic and tribal schools could participate. Schools must maximize federal reimbursement; the state pays the balance at specified rates, using Legacy Earnings Fund money if no other source is identified.", "yes_effect": "Require and fund the school-meal program.", "no_effect": "Keep existing school-meal programs without this new constitutional mandate.", "fiscal_impact": "Legislative Council estimate for 2027–29: $124 million–$134 million for meals plus $300,000 for administration.", "effective_date": "Beginning with the 2027–28 school year.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "SD-2026-Amendment I", "state": "SD", "designation": "Amendment I", "title": "Federal funding condition for Medicaid expansion", "topic": "Health", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The Attorney General explanation says expanded coverage would end; the proposal’s legal change removes the constitutional requirement. It does not itself bar future legislative authorization." ], "state_name": "South Dakota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/sd-2026-amendment-i/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "South Dakota official ballot-question pamphlet", "url": "https://www.sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2026%20Election%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Files/2026%20BQ/2026GeneralBQPamphletFINAL.pdf" }, { "name": "South Dakota enacted amendment referrals, chapters1–4", "url": "https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/SessionLawsBook/267522.pdf?Year=2025" } ], "baseline": "The constitution requires Medicaid expansion for qualifying adults without this proposed federal-funding condition. Federal law currently pays 90% of expansion costs.", "ai_summary": "Would condition the constitutional expansion requirement on federal support remaining at least 90%. If the federal share fell below 90%, the constitutional mandate would end.", "yes_effect": "Add the federal-funding condition.", "no_effect": "Keep the expansion mandate without this condition.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "SD-2026-Amendment J", "state": "SD", "designation": "Amendment J", "title": "Citizenship wording for voting", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "South Dakota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/sd-2026-amendment-j/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "South Dakota official ballot-question pamphlet", "url": "https://www.sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2026%20Election%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Files/2026%20BQ/2026GeneralBQPamphletFINAL.pdf" }, { "name": "South Dakota enacted amendment referrals, chapters1–4", "url": "https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/SessionLawsBook/267522.pdf?Year=2025" } ], "baseline": "Citizenship is already a constitutional qualification for voting.", "ai_summary": "Would add noncitizens to the constitution’s explicit list of people disqualified from voting, alongside existing grounds.", "yes_effect": "Add the explicit noncitizen disqualification.", "no_effect": "Keep current constitutional wording and citizenship qualification.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "SD-2026-Amendment K", "state": "SD", "designation": "Amendment K", "title": "Unclaimed-property trust fund", "topic": "Budget", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "South Dakota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/sd-2026-amendment-k/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "South Dakota official ballot-question pamphlet", "url": "https://www.sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2026%20Election%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Files/2026%20BQ/2026GeneralBQPamphletFINAL.pdf" }, { "name": "South Dakota enacted amendment referrals, chapters1–4", "url": "https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/SessionLawsBook/267522.pdf?Year=2025" } ], "baseline": "A statutory unclaimed-property trust already exists. The proposal would constitutionalize a trust framework and restrictions on its use.", "ai_summary": "Would deposit net unclaimed-property receipts into a constitutional trust after claims, expenses and legally authorized General Fund deposits. Investment-income distributions begin July 1,2027. Principal or income may also be used for owners’ claims, legally required returns or appropriations approved by three-fourths of each legislative chamber.", "yes_effect": "Create the constitutional trust and distribution framework.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing statutory arrangement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Annual income distributions begin July 1,2027.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "SD-2026-Amendment L", "state": "SD", "designation": "Amendment L", "title": "Sixty-percent requirement for constitutional changes", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "South Dakota", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/sd-2026-amendment-l/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "South Dakota official ballot-question pamphlet", "url": "https://www.sdsos.gov/elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2026%20Election%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Information/2026%20Ballot%20Question%20Files/2026%20BQ/2026GeneralBQPamphletFINAL.pdf" }, { "name": "South Dakota enacted amendment referrals, chapters1–4", "url": "https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/api/Documents/SessionLawsBook/267522.pdf?Year=2025" } ], "baseline": "Constitutional amendments and revisions currently pass by a majority of votes cast.", "ai_summary": "Would raise the approval requirement for future constitutional amendments and revisions to 60%.", "yes_effect": "Require 60% approval for future constitutional changes.", "no_effect": "Retain the majority requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "UT-2026-Amendment A", "state": "UT", "designation": "Amendment A", "title": "Publication of proposed constitutional amendments", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Utah", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ut-2026-amendment-a/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Utah legislative full texts for 2026 constitutional amendments", "url": "https://le.utah.gov/constitutionalAmendment/2026/constitutionalamendments.pdf" }, { "name": "Davis County official statewide ballot-question roster", "url": "https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/clerk/election/voter-insight?page=ballot-questions" } ], "baseline": "The constitution requires publication in a newspaper in each county where one is published for two months before the general election.", "ai_summary": "Would replace the newspaper requirement with publication for 60 calendar days before the election in the manner specified by statute. The legislature could set the publication method through ordinary law.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the new publication framework.", "no_effect": "Keep the constitutional newspaper requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1,2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "UT-2026-Amendment B", "state": "UT", "designation": "Amendment B", "title": "Threshold for tax-related statewide initiatives", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Utah", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ut-2026-amendment-b/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Utah legislative full texts for 2026 constitutional amendments", "url": "https://le.utah.gov/constitutionalAmendment/2026/constitutionalamendments.pdf" }, { "name": "Davis County official statewide ballot-question roster", "url": "https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/clerk/election/voter-insight?page=ballot-questions" } ], "baseline": "Statewide initiatives generally pass by a majority, with a separate two-thirds rule for specified wildlife measures.", "ai_summary": "Would require 60% approval for statewide citizen initiatives creating a tax, expanding taxable items or transactions, increasing a rate, or reducing a property-tax rate less than current law would. It applies to votes after November 1,2026 and does not raise the threshold for all initiatives.", "yes_effect": "Add the 60% threshold for these tax-related initiatives.", "no_effect": "Keep existing initiative thresholds.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "November 23,2026, with the rule covering initiative votes after November 1,2026.", "passage_rule": "This amendment itself needs a majority of votes cast.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WA-2026-IL26-001", "state": "WA", "designation": "IL26-001", "title": "Parent and guardian rights in public schools", "topic": "Education", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Washington", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wa-2026-il26-001/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Washington certified statewide measure directory and full texts", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/proposed-ballot-measure-information" }, { "name": "Washington Attorney General explanation for IL26-001", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/ExStat_IL26-001.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The 2025 version of the school parent-rights statute includes a 45-day records deadline and provisions concerning student privacy, nondiscrimination, safety and access.", "ai_summary": "Would restore the 2024 statute. It shortens the records deadline to ten business days, broadens record access and restores medical-service notifications. It removes several 2025 provisions from this statute, including specified nondiscrimination, abuse-notice, enrollment, language-access and special-education language; rights independently protected by other laws are not automatically repealed.", "yes_effect": "Restore the 2024 version of the parent-rights statute.", "no_effect": "Keep the 2025 version.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WA-2026-IL26-638", "state": "WA", "designation": "IL26-638", "title": "Sex verification for girls’ school sports", "topic": "Education", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Washington", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wa-2026-il26-638/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Washington certified statewide measure directory and full texts", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/proposed-ballot-measure-information" }, { "name": "Washington Attorney General explanation for IL26-638", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/IL26-638%20Explanatory%20Statement.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing public-school sports rules prohibit discrimination based on sex and gender identity and do not impose this verification form.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit students defined as biologically male from female-only interschool sports. Students joining female-only teams or events must provide a health-care-provider form verifying sex through specified biological criteria. It covers public K–12 schools and participating private schools.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the participation restriction and medical-verification requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep existing sports eligibility rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WA-2026-IP26-645", "state": "WA", "designation": "IP26-645", "title": "Repeal the high-income tax and restrict income-based taxes", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The broader income definition may raise interpretation issues; this summary does not assert automatic repeal of every other tax." ], "state_name": "Washington", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wa-2026-ip26-645/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Washington certified statewide measure directory and full texts", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/proposed-ballot-measure-information" }, { "name": "Washington Attorney General explanation for IP26-645", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/ExStmt_IP26-645.pdf" }, { "name": "Washington Office of Financial Management fiscal estimate", "url": "https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-07/FIS%20-%20Initiative%20645%20-%20FINAL.pdf" } ], "baseline": "A 2026 law imposes a 9.9% tax on income above a $1 million household deduction starting in 2028, with credits, adjustments and later inflation indexing.", "ai_summary": "Would repeal that tax before collections begin and prohibit state and local taxes on individual income, its receipt or amounts measured by it. Companion non-income-tax credits, exemptions and deductions remain. The high-income tax is the only existing tax explicitly named for repeal.", "yes_effect": "Repeal the new high-income tax and enact the broader restrictions.", "no_effect": "Keep the tax scheduled for 2028 and current tax authority.", "fiscal_impact": "Office of Financial Management estimate: $11.4 billion less state revenue over fiscal 2027–31.", "effective_date": "December 3,2026, prospectively.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WY-2026-Proposition 1", "state": "WY", "designation": "Proposition 1", "title": "Homeowner property-tax exemption", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Statutory measure", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The exemption covers the residential structure, not an automatic50% reduction of an entire tax bill or land assessment." ], "state_name": "Wyoming", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wy-2026-proposition-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Wyoming official statewide proposition and full text", "url": "https://sos.wyo.gov/Elections/Docs/2026/2026_Statewide_Ballot_Propositions.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing property-tax exemptions and relief programs apply; this proposed qualifying homeowner exemption is additional legislation.", "ai_summary": "Would exempt 50% of the assessed value of a qualifying primary-residence structure. Owners must have lived in Wyoming at least a year and occupied the home for six months in the prior tax year. An initial sworn claim and annual eligibility confirmation are required; one exemption per owner and property is allowed.", "yes_effect": "Create the qualifying homeowner exemption.", "no_effect": "Do not enact this proposed exemption.", "fiscal_impact": "Official estimate: state revenue falls $92,614,266 in fiscal 2028 and $95,855,766 in 2029. This excludes local-government effects and relies on 2023 property data and growth assumptions.", "effective_date": "The official title says the earliest applicable tax year is 2027 despite the older 2025 date in the initiative text.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AL-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "AL", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Lieutenant-governor vacancies and legislative administration", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Alabama", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/al-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-1)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBCStatewideAmendment-1.pdf" } ], "baseline": "A lieutenant-governor vacancy generally remains unfilled until the next regular election for that office. The constitution also sets pay for the lieutenant governor and certain legislative officers.", "ai_summary": "Would require an election for the remaining term when a lieutenant-governor vacancy occurs more than 60 days before the next general election for state officers. It would let the legislature set certain officers’ pay by joint resolution and require a legislative officer’s approval for members’ travel spending.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the vacancy-election, pay-setting and travel-approval provisions.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional arrangements.", "fiscal_impact": "The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission states that no costs or taxes are associated with this amendment.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AL-2026-Amendment 2", "state": "AL", "designation": "Amendment 2", "title": "Merging neighboring county school systems", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Approving this statewide amendment does not itself merge a school system." ], "state_name": "Alabama", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/al-2026-amendment-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-2)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBCStatewideAmendment-2.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not provide this process for merging independent county boards of education.", "ai_summary": "Would let neighboring county boards agree to combine systems after a published state impact study. A written protest by at least 25% of qualified voters in any affected system would trigger a vote requiring approval in each affected county and overall.", "yes_effect": "Create the optional consolidation process and its study and protest requirements.", "no_effect": "Keep the constitution without this merger process.", "fiscal_impact": "The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission states that no costs or taxes are associated with this amendment.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AL-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "AL", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "School pledge and student-led prayer policies", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Alabama", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/al-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-3)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBCStatewideAmendment-3.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not require the proposed local-board policies for a daily pledge and student-initiated prayer.", "ai_summary": "Would require public K–12 schools to offer the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of each school day and boards to authorize student-initiated, student-led prayer. Students could decline either activity based on their beliefs; prayer participation could not be required.", "yes_effect": "Require the policies while preserving the stated student opt-outs.", "no_effect": "Do not add these constitutional policy requirements.", "fiscal_impact": "The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission states that no costs or taxes are associated with this amendment.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AL-2026-Amendment 4", "state": "AL", "designation": "Amendment 4", "title": "Weekly national anthem in schools", "topic": "Education", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Alabama", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/al-2026-amendment-4/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/ballot-measures/statewide" }, { "name": "Alabama official election evidence (AL-4)", "url": "https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/FBCStatewideAmendment-4.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution does not require public K–12 schools to play or perform the national anthem during school hours.", "ai_summary": "Would require local boards to arrange a broadcast of the anthem’s first stanza at least weekly, or a school-approved performance using the Library of Congress version.", "yes_effect": "Add the weekly broadcast-or-performance requirement.", "no_effect": "Leave the constitution without that requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission states that no costs or taxes are associated with this amendment.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AR-2026-Issue 1", "state": "AR", "designation": "Issue 1", "title": "Citizenship wording for voting", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arkansas", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ar-2026-issue-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-roster)", "url": "https://sos.arkansas.gov/elections/initiatives-and-referenda" }, { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-1)", "url": "https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Issue_No._1_HJR_1018_of_2026_.pdf_.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution already requires U.S. citizenship, state residency, adulthood and lawful registration to vote.", "ai_summary": "Would state explicitly that only qualified U.S. citizens may vote, and that people who do not meet constitutional voter qualifications may not vote in state or local elections.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised citizenship and state/local election wording.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing voter-qualification wording.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AR-2026-Issue 2", "state": "AR", "designation": "Issue 2", "title": "Right to keep and bear arms", "topic": "Civil rights", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Arkansas", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ar-2026-issue-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-roster)", "url": "https://sos.arkansas.gov/elections/initiatives-and-referenda" }, { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-2)", "url": "https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Issue_No._2_SJR_11_of_2026_.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The state constitution protects citizens’ right to keep and bear arms for common defense.", "ai_summary": "Would expressly extend that protection to lawful hunting, recreation and other lawful purposes, including ammunition, firearm accessories and components, and describe it as a fundamental individual right.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the expanded constitutional wording.", "no_effect": "Keep the current state constitutional wording.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AR-2026-Issue 3", "state": "AR", "designation": "Issue 3", "title": "Economic-development districts and financing", "topic": "Economy", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The full text includes exceptions for already exempt property and distinctions between district bonds and other local-government bonds." ], "state_name": "Arkansas", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ar-2026-issue-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-roster)", "url": "https://sos.arkansas.gov/elections/initiatives-and-referenda" }, { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-3)", "url": "https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Issue_No._3_SJR_15_of_2026_.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution restricts public lending and support to private entities, with existing economic-development exceptions, and regulates local debt and property taxation.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize economic-development programs, public loans and grants, and districts with bond-financing powers. Property within a district would be exempt from other taxes but remain subject to district taxes and charges. District bonds would receive specified exemptions from existing debt restrictions; implementing legislation would be required.", "yes_effect": "Create the expanded development and financing authority.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional financing and tax rules.", "fiscal_impact": "Would change taxing and borrowing authority, including a district-property tax exemption. No aggregate revenue or cost estimate is recorded here.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "AR-2026-Issue 4", "state": "AR", "designation": "Issue 4", "title": "Water and pollution-control bonds", "topic": "Environment", "type": "Bond question", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The official choice labels are FOR and AGAINST; the dashboard’s yes/no effects correspond to those choices." ], "state_name": "Arkansas", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ar-2026-issue-4/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-roster)", "url": "https://sos.arkansas.gov/elections/initiatives-and-referenda" }, { "name": "Arkansas official election evidence (AR-4)", "url": "https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/elections/Issue_No._4_Act_578_of_2026_.pdf" } ], "baseline": "This proposal asks voters to authorize a new state-backed bond program under the 2025 financing act; voter approval is needed for the proposed issuance.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize up to $500 million in general-obligation bonds for water, waste, pollution-control, drainage, irrigation, flood-control and aquatic-resource projects. Irrigation bonds would be capped at $165 million, and issuance generally at $60 million per two-year period unless legislators approve more.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the proposed state-backed bonds.", "no_effect": "Reject this bond authorization.", "fiscal_impact": "Up to $500 million in principal backed by the state’s full faith and credit. Interest and total repayment costs are not quantified in the linked ballot notice.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "IN-2026-Public Question 1", "state": "IN", "designation": "Public Question 1", "title": "Bail eligibility for additional offenses", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Indiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/in-2026-public-question-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Indiana Election Division: 2026 election legislation summary, pages 21–22", "url": "https://www.in.gov/dA/d13ecb1f55/2026-Indiana-Election-Legislation-Summary.FINAL.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution permits denial of bail for murder or treason when the proof is evident or the presumption strong.", "ai_summary": "Would extend denial of bail to other offenses when that evidentiary condition is met and the state proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that release conditions cannot reasonably protect another person or the community.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the additional constitutional grounds for denying bail.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional limit.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "IN-2026-Public Question 2", "state": "IN", "designation": "Public Question 2", "title": "City and town judges’ residency", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Indiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/in-2026-public-question-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Indiana Election Division: 2026 election legislation summary, pages 21–22", "url": "https://www.in.gov/dA/d13ecb1f55/2026-Indiana-Election-Legislation-Summary.FINAL.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Existing constitutional officer-residency rules do not include the proposed exception for city and town judges.", "ai_summary": "Would allow a city or town judge to live anywhere in the court’s county or in the closest bordering Indiana county, measured from the city or town boundary to the county line.", "yes_effect": "Permit the broader residence area.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional residency rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "KY-2026-Constitutional Amendment 1", "state": "KY", "designation": "Constitutional Amendment 1", "title": "Limits on pardons around gubernatorial elections", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The final act amends Section 77 only. An earlier fiscal note also mentions Section 240 and is not treated as a final-measure cost estimate." ], "state_name": "Kentucky", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ky-2026-constitutional-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Kentucky official election evidence (KY-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.ky.gov/elections/Pages/Constitutional-Amendments.aspx" }, { "name": "Kentucky final 2026 Act 12 (SB 10)", "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/26RS/documents/0012.pdf" }, { "name": "Kentucky Constitution, Section 77", "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Law/Constitution/Constitution/ViewConstitution?rsn=85" }, { "name": "Kentucky Constitution, Section 256", "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/Law/Constitution/Constitution/ViewConstitution?rsn=294" } ], "baseline": "Section 77 grants clemency powers without this election-period restriction, while retaining impeachment and treason exceptions and public reasons for decisions.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit pardons, reprieves and sentence commutations from 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the fifth Tuesday afterward. The ballot question describes the endpoint as inauguration; the proposed constitutional text specifies the fifth Tuesday.", "yes_effect": "Add the election-period restriction on clemency.", "no_effect": "Retain the existing constitutional clemency authority.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast for or against the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Moving a surviving spouse’s veterans exemption", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "A qualifying surviving spouse can keep a deceased disabled veteran’s additional property-tax exemption while owning and occupying the original home.", "ai_summary": "Would allow one transfer to a later qualifying homestead, limited to the additional exemption claimed on the previous home in its last eligible year.", "yes_effect": "Allow the one-time transfer under the stated limits.", "no_effect": "Keep the current property-specific eligibility rule.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 2", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 2", "title": "Preserving unused property-tax rate authority", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "A local taxing body can lose unused authority to restore a previous maximum millage when a new reassessment occurs.", "ai_summary": "Would let a taxing authority keep charging a lower rate without permanently losing its authority to return to a prior reassessment’s authorized maximum. This preserves future rate-setting authority; it does not order an immediate increase.", "yes_effect": "Preserve the unused maximum-rate authority.", "no_effect": "Keep the current reassessment-related limit.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "Post-conviction bail for offenses against children", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "This question concerns bail after conviction, not general pretrial detention. The statute supplies the covered offense definitions." ], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "The constitution guarantees bail subject to existing exceptions.", "ai_summary": "Would add an exception denying post-conviction bail to people convicted of an aggravated offense, as defined in state law, committed against a minor.", "yes_effect": "Add the post-conviction bail restriction.", "no_effect": "Retain the current constitutional bail exceptions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Under the general constitutional rule, 20 days after the governor proclaims adoption, unless the amendment provides otherwise. No separate date recorded here.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 4", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 4", "title": "Lifetime limit on election as governor", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-4/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "Someone who served more than one and a half terms across two consecutive terms cannot be elected for the immediately following term.", "ai_summary": "Would instead bar someone who has served more than one and a half terms as governor from election to any future term, making the restriction a lifetime limit.", "yes_effect": "Apply the lifetime restriction on future election.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing consecutive-term rule.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Under the general constitutional rule, 20 days after the governor proclaims adoption, unless the amendment provides otherwise. No separate date recorded here.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 5", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 5", "title": "Which pension liabilities receive one-time funding", "topic": "Budget", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-5/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "At least 25% of designated nonrecurring state money must go to state retirement systems, which must apply it to their oldest unfunded accrued liabilities first.", "ai_summary": "Would let a receiving retirement system apply that money to any unfunded accrued liability. The minimum allocation to retirement systems would remain.", "yes_effect": "Remove the oldest-liability-first requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing payment-order requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Under the general constitutional rule, 20 days after the governor proclaims adoption, unless the amendment provides otherwise. No separate date recorded here.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 6", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 6", "title": "Optional additional senior homestead exemptions", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Statewide approval only authorizes the option; it does not automatically adopt the exemption in every parish or municipality. Intermediate age tiers and qualification rules are in the official text." ], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-6/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "The constitution provides an exemption on the first $7,500 of assessed homestead value, with existing special-assessment eligibility rules.", "ai_summary": "Would let parishes and municipalities, with local voter approval, add exemptions for qualifying owners age 65 or older. Additional exempt assessed value would rise from $6,000 at ages 65–68 to $30,000 at age 81 or older. Limited surviving-spouse eligibility would apply.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the additional locally approved exemptions.", "no_effect": "Keep current exemption authority.", "fiscal_impact": "The proposal requires taxing authorities to absorb revenue reductions without shifting them to other taxpayers through the specified reassessment or millage adjustments. No dollar estimate is recorded.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2028.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 7", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 7", "title": "Public funding for private water service lines", "topic": "Environment", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-7/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "The constitution generally prohibits donating public funds or property to private parties, with listed exceptions.", "ai_summary": "Would add authority to use local public funds to identify, inventory, remove or replace drinking-water service lines on customers’ property when covered by the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements or later versions.", "yes_effect": "Permit the specified public spending on customer-owned service lines.", "no_effect": "Keep the constitution without this additional exception.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Under the general constitutional rule, 20 days after the governor proclaims adoption, unless the amendment provides otherwise. No separate date recorded here.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 8", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 8", "title": "Property taking by foreign adversaries", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-8/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "The constitution regulates property taking by authorized private entities, including a required judicial determination of public necessity.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit a foreign adversary or its agent from expropriating property, adding that specific constitutional restriction.", "yes_effect": "Add the prohibition on expropriation by foreign adversaries and their agents.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional expropriation provisions.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Under the general constitutional rule, 20 days after the governor proclaims adoption, unless the amendment provides otherwise. No separate date recorded here.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 9", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 9", "title": "Income limit for special property assessments", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-9/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "Special assessment freezes are available to qualifying older or disabled residents and certain military-related households, subject to a $100,000 income limit adjusted for inflation beginning in 2026.", "ai_summary": "Would raise the qualifying income ceiling to $150,000 starting in 2027, with inflation adjustments from 2028. Other eligibility categories remain. Taxing authorities would absorb resulting revenue reductions under the stated rules.", "yes_effect": "Expand income eligibility for the special assessment level.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing income-limit framework.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027; inflation adjustments to the new limit begin in 2028.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "LA-2026-Amendment 10", "state": "LA", "designation": "Amendment 10", "title": "Tax exemptions for rehabilitated properties", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The amendment itself does not specify the full eligibility rules or exemption term; legislation would supply them." ], "state_name": "Louisiana", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/la-2026-amendment-10/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Louisiana official election evidence (LA-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/jo2die1s/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana secretary of state: November 2026 statements and current-law comparisons", "url": "https://www.sos.la.gov/media/j2fjvpye/proposed-constitutional-amendments-2026-nov-summaries.pdf" }, { "name": "Louisiana Constitution, Article XIII, Section 1", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=206363" } ], "baseline": "The constitution lists property-tax exemptions but does not include this proposed optional exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize the exemption and require legislators to define eligible property, set its duration and conditions, and establish local administration procedures.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the exemption and implementing legislation.", "no_effect": "Keep existing exemption authority.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MO-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "MO", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "Reproductive rights and care for minors", "topic": "Health", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "A no vote does not repeal other existing statutes or resolve ongoing litigation over them." ], "state_name": "Missouri", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mo-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" }, { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-3)", "url": "https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills251/hlrbillspdf/2454H.05T.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The 2024 amendment protects reproductive freedom, including abortion before viability and specified protections afterward.", "ai_summary": "Would replace that amendment with abortion restrictions allowing care for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies, and rape or incest within twelve weeks. It also adds provider and consent rules and a constitutional ban on gender-transition procedures for minors, with specified medical exceptions.", "yes_effect": "Replace the 2024 protections with the proposed restrictions.", "no_effect": "Keep the 2024 constitutional protections; do not enact this amendment’s additional restrictions.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement reports no state costs or savings; Greene County reports a possible unknown tax-revenue increase and other local entities report no costs or savings.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MO-2026-Amendment 6", "state": "MO", "designation": "Amendment 6", "title": "Initiative and referendum protections", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Missouri", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mo-2026-amendment-6/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" }, { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-6)", "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/Elections/Petitions/2026-106.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution already allows citizen initiatives and referendums, but lacks the proposed fundamental-right and legislative-change protections.", "ai_summary": "Would preserve current signature and statewide-majority rules, make initiative and referendum powers a fundamental right, and limit legislative interference. Changes to voter-initiated laws would require referral to voters backed by at least 80% of each legislative chamber.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the additional protections and referral requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep the present initiative and referendum provisions.", "fiscal_impact": "State and local entities estimate no costs or savings in the official ballot statement.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MO-2026-Amendment 7", "state": "MO", "designation": "Amendment 7", "title": "Public endowment and possible tax replacement", "topic": "Budget", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The amendment does not guarantee that investment earnings will become sufficient to replace taxes." ], "state_name": "Missouri", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mo-2026-amendment-7/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" }, { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-7)", "url": "https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/pdf-bill/tat/SJR95.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The proposed Show-Me Prosperity Fund does not yet exist; state taxes currently support government.", "ai_summary": "Would create a protected endowment intended eventually to replace state taxes with investment earnings. Withdrawals would depend on sufficient earnings and be capped at 3% of the fund’s five-year average value. Lawmakers could restore revenue sources if the fund failed to meet its obligations.", "yes_effect": "Create the endowment and conditional tax-replacement framework.", "no_effect": "Do not create this constitutional endowment.", "fiscal_impact": "Official estimates report no costs or savings. There is no immediate tax reduction; later reductions depend on sufficient fund earnings.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MO-2026-Amendment 8", "state": "MO", "designation": "Amendment 8", "title": "Constitutional status of elected sheriffs", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The full text exempts the city of St. Louis and specified charter-county categories; this is not a universal requirement for every jurisdiction." ], "state_name": "Missouri", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mo-2026-amendment-8/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" }, { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-8)", "url": "https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/pdf-bill/tat/SJR87.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Statutes already provide for elected sheriffs, four-year terms and their duties and removal in covered counties; the proposed constitutional text has jurisdictional exceptions.", "ai_summary": "Would place four-year sheriff elections and specified duties in the constitution for covered counties, with exceptions for specified charter counties and a city outside a county. Covered sheriffs could be removed only through a quo warranto court proceeding initiated by the attorney general.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional requirements and removal restriction.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing statutory framework.", "fiscal_impact": "State and local entities estimate no costs or savings in the official ballot statement.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MO-2026-Proposition A", "state": "MO", "designation": "Proposition A", "title": "Congressional district boundaries", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Referendum", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Missouri", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/mo-2026-proposition-a/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Missouri official election evidence (MO-roster)", "url": "https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/petitions/2026BallotMeasures" } ], "baseline": "The referendum asks voters to approve or reject the legislature’s 2025 replacement of the congressional map enacted in 2022.", "ai_summary": "Would approve House Bill 1 from the 2025 second extraordinary session and its new congressional districts. Rejection would leave the 2022 boundaries in place, according to the secretary of state’s certified explanation.", "yes_effect": "Approve the 2025 redistricting act.", "no_effect": "Retain the 2022 congressional boundaries.", "fiscal_impact": "State and local entities estimate no costs or savings; the official statement reports no tax impact.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Threshold not independently established here; consult the official text.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "TN-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "TN", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Bail for additional serious offenses", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Tennessee", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/tn-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Sumner County Election Commission official November 2026 sample ballot", "url": "https://www.votesumnertn.org/uploads/files/284d8e5003518a5bfe759e67f6548473be831148.pdf" }, { "name": "Tennessee official election evidence (TN-1)", "url": "https://capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SJR0025.pdf" }, { "name": "Sequatchie County government: November 2026 amendments and passage rule", "url": "https://www.sequatchiecountytn.gov/news-detail.php?slug=proposed-amendments-on-the-november-2026-ballot" } ], "baseline": "The constitution guarantees bail except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great.", "ai_summary": "Would expand that exception to terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, aggravated rape of a child, grave torture and offenses requiring at least 85% of the sentence under law as of November 3, 2026. Courts would have to record reasons for bail decisions in these cases.", "yes_effect": "Expand the constitutional exceptions to bail and require recorded reasons.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional bail provision.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Must receive more yes than no votes, and yes votes must exceed half of all votes cast for governor.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "TN-2026-Amendment 2", "state": "TN", "designation": "Amendment 2", "title": "Ban on a state property tax", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Tennessee", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/tn-2026-amendment-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Sumner County Election Commission official November 2026 sample ballot", "url": "https://www.votesumnertn.org/uploads/files/284d8e5003518a5bfe759e67f6548473be831148.pdf" }, { "name": "Tennessee official election evidence (TN-2)", "url": "https://capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SJR0001.pdf" }, { "name": "Sequatchie County government: November 2026 amendments and passage rule", "url": "https://www.sequatchiecountytn.gov/news-detail.php?slug=proposed-amendments-on-the-november-2026-ballot" } ], "baseline": "Tennessee repealed its state property tax in 1949, but the constitution still allows one. Existing property taxes are local.", "ai_summary": "Would prohibit the legislature from levying or authorizing a state property tax on real, personal or mixed property. It would not eliminate local property taxes.", "yes_effect": "Add the constitutional ban on a state property tax.", "no_effect": "Keep the legislature’s existing constitutional authority.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Must receive more yes than no votes, and yes votes must exceed half of all votes cast for governor.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "TN-2026-Amendment 3", "state": "TN", "designation": "Amendment 3", "title": "Crime victims’ rights", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "The amendment does not itself create a damages claim against the state or a basis for vacating a conviction." ], "state_name": "Tennessee", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/tn-2026-amendment-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Sumner County Election Commission official November 2026 sample ballot", "url": "https://www.votesumnertn.org/uploads/files/284d8e5003518a5bfe759e67f6548473be831148.pdf" }, { "name": "Tennessee official election evidence (TN-3)", "url": "https://capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SJR0009.pdf" }, { "name": "Tennessee official election evidence (TN-3-history)", "url": "https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SJR0009&ga=114" }, { "name": "Sequatchie County government: November 2026 amendments and passage rule", "url": "https://www.sequatchiecountytn.gov/news-detail.php?slug=proposed-amendments-on-the-november-2026-ballot" } ], "baseline": "The constitution already protects crime victims’ participation, notice, safety, restitution and related rights.", "ai_summary": "Would replace the section with thirteen rights, expanding parole participation, notice and consideration of victims’ safety. Some rights require a request. Victims could assert these rights under legislative procedures, while due process, prosecutorial powers and court authority remain protected.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised rights and enforcement framework.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing constitutional victims’ rights section.", "fiscal_impact": "The legislative fiscal summary lists $9,400 in mandatory local-government expenditure for fiscal year 2026–27. A complete long-term implementation cost estimate is not recorded here.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Must receive more yes than no votes, and yes votes must exceed half of all votes cast for governor.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "WV-2026-Amendment 1", "state": "WV", "designation": "Amendment 1", "title": "Citizenship wording for voting", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "West Virginia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/wv-2026-amendment-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "West Virginia official election evidence (WV-roster)", "url": "https://sos.wv.gov/article/kris-warner-clarifies-wv-secretary-states-role-proposed-constitutional-amendment-november" } ], "baseline": "State election law already requires U.S. citizenship to register. The constitution currently refers to citizens of the state.", "ai_summary": "Would expressly limit voting to U.S. citizens who are also West Virginia citizens, adding the federal citizenship requirement to the constitution.", "yes_effect": "Add the explicit U.S.-citizenship requirement.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional wording and statutory citizenship requirement.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Upon ratification, according to the secretary of state.", "passage_rule": "A majority vote on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 1", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "Public access to legislative and governor records", "topic": "Government", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 1", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question1.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "The Legislature and governor’s office are outside the public-records law’s general disclosure requirements.", "ai_summary": "Would apply the public-records law to most records held by the Legislature and governor’s office. Exceptions would cover policy-development records and certain constituent requests for help with government services.", "yes_effect": "Extend public-records access with the stated exceptions.", "no_effect": "Retain existing public-records coverage.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement identifies no material effect on state or municipal finances that can be discerned from the proposal.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 2", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 2", "title": "Collective bargaining for public counsel staff", "topic": "Labor", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-2/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 2", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question2.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "Committee for Public Counsel Services employees do not have this express statutory right to bargain collectively with their employer.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize CPCS employees to organize and bargain collectively. After reaching an agreement, CPCS would have to request the appropriation needed to fund it from the governor.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the bargaining right and funding-request process.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing labor-relations rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement says state costs depend on future bargaining agreements and cannot reliably be projected.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 3", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 3", "title": "All-party top-two primaries", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-3/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 3", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question3.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "Massachusetts uses separate political-party primaries for state elections.", "ai_summary": "Would put all candidates on one state-primary ballot, open to every voter. Only the two highest vote-getters would advance. Governor and lieutenant governor candidates would run together in the primary; party recognition would use a 3% statewide-primary vote test.", "yes_effect": "Replace separate party primaries with the all-party, top-two system.", "no_effect": "Keep existing primary-election rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement identifies no material effect on state or municipal finances that can be discerned from the proposal.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 4", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 4", "title": "Election Day voter registration", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-4/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 4", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question4.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "Current registration rules do not provide the proposed Election Day registration or address-update option at the polling place.", "ai_summary": "Would let eligible residents register or update their address at their precinct on Election Day with residency evidence and a sworn eligibility statement. Those missing residency evidence could cast a provisional ballot and supply it by the applicable deadline. Existing registrants could not switch party affiliation that day.", "yes_effect": "Create the Election Day registration and address-update procedure.", "no_effect": "Keep the current registration rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement identifies no material effect on state or municipal finances that can be discerned from the proposal.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2028.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 5", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 5", "title": "State revenue limit and taxpayer refunds", "topic": "Taxes", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "This is not the separate income-tax-rate reduction proposal, which is absent from the final nine-question roster." ], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-5/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 5", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question5.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "Chapter 62F already limits state revenue using a prior-limit formula tied to wage growth. Surtax revenue on incomes above $1 million is excluded from that calculation.", "ai_summary": "Would instead start with actual net revenue collected the previous year and adjust it by average Massachusetts wage and salary growth over three years. It would include the high-income surtax in the calculation and refund revenue above the resulting limit the next year.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the revised revenue ceiling and refund calculation.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing Chapter 62F formula.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement expects less revenue available for state budgets, local aid and reserves. Refund frequency would depend on future economic conditions; it gives no fixed dollar estimate.", "effective_date": "July 1, 2027.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 6", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 6", "title": "Nature for All conservation fund", "topic": "Environment", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-6/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 6", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question6.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "The proposed fund does not exist. The affected sales and use taxes currently support other state purposes.", "ai_summary": "Would establish a conservation fund and 15-member board. Subject to legislative appropriation and specified transit and school-fund exclusions, it would receive half of eligible sporting-goods, recreational-vehicle and golf-course taxes in its first year and all afterward. Eligible uses include land, water, parks and outdoor access.", "yes_effect": "Create the fund, revenue allocation and oversight requirements.", "no_effect": "Keep existing revenue allocations without this new fund.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement estimates diversion of tens of millions of dollars annually from operating revenue and substantial implementation costs. It does not provide a full dollar estimate.", "effective_date": "July 1, 2027; the allocation rises to 100% after July 1, 2028.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 7", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 7", "title": "Single-family homes on smaller lots", "topic": "Housing", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-7/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 7", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question7.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "Municipal residential zoning may require lots larger than the proposed statewide minimum.", "ai_summary": "Would allow a single-family home on a residentially zoned lot of at least 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage and access to public water and sewer. Municipalities could still impose reasonable rules on height, setbacks, open space, parking and short-term rentals.", "yes_effect": "Allow qualifying homes under the new statewide standard.", "no_effect": "Keep current zoning authority and building rules.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement says new construction could increase municipal revenue, but the scale cannot be projected and no material fiscal effect is discernible.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 8", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 8", "title": "Recreational marijuana retail repeal", "topic": "Cannabis", "type": "Statutory initiative", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-8/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 8", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question8.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "Massachusetts permits and regulates adult recreational marijuana sales alongside medical marijuana.", "ai_summary": "Would repeal adult recreational retail legalization, regulation and taxation while retaining medical marijuana regulation. Limited adult possession and gifting would remain permitted, with revised possession penalties. Licensed recreational businesses could seek expedited medical licenses and transfer inventory to medical dispensaries.", "yes_effect": "End the recreational retail framework and adopt the revised possession and transition rules.", "no_effect": "Keep current marijuana law.", "fiscal_impact": "The official statement expects lower state and local marijuana tax receipts. As a historical comparison, fiscal 2025 receipts were about $280 million for the state and $50 million locally; these are not a precise forecast of future losses.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2028.", "passage_rule": "Yes votes must be a majority of votes on the question and equal at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MA-2026-Question 9", "state": "MA", "designation": "Question 9", "title": "Keep or repeal the 2024 firearms law", "topic": "Public safety", "type": "Referendum on existing law", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Massachusetts", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ma-2026-question-9/", "source_check_status": "unavailable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Massachusetts official voter guide: Question 9", "url": "https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/research-and-statistics/2026-information-for-voters/2026-ballot-question9.htm" }, { "name": "Massachusetts Constitution: initiative and referendum thresholds", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Constitution" } ], "baseline": "The 2024 firearms law is in place, changing licensing, training, firearm definitions, untraceable-gun rules, protective orders, restricted locations and reporting.", "ai_summary": "Asks whether to retain the 2024 law. A yes vote keeps its expanded firearm rules; a no vote repeals that law. Repeal would not eliminate all Massachusetts firearms regulation.", "yes_effect": "Keep the 2024 firearms law.", "no_effect": "Repeal the 2024 firearms law.", "fiscal_impact": "The official fiscal statement says repeal would require spending to halt or redirect investments already made in training, licensing and information systems; no amount is stated.", "effective_date": "If the referendum rejects the existing law, the constitutional referendum rule provides for repeal 30 days after the election.", "passage_rule": "Repeal requires a majority voting no on the question, with no votes also equaling at least 30% of all ballots cast in the state election.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MD-2026-Question 1", "state": "MD", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "State employee agreements and the budget", "topic": "Labor", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Maryland", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/md-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Maryland final statewide ballot questions and corrected Question 3", "url": "https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/ballot_questions.html" }, { "name": "Maryland legislative fiscal and policy note for HB604", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/fnotes/bil_0004/hb0604.pdf" }, { "name": "Maryland Constitution Article XIV, amendment approval", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=c14&enactments=false§ion=1" } ], "baseline": "State employees already bargain under existing law. The constitution does not contain this proposed requirement to fund all employment terms in agreements or binding arbitration awards.", "ai_summary": "Would require the governor’s proposed budget to include money for wages, hours, benefits and other terms of state-employee collective bargaining agreements, including terms determined by neutral arbitration. Related statutory arbitration changes are contingent on approval; appropriations still require legislative action.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the constitutional budget obligation and enable the contingent arbitration changes.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional and contingent-law arrangements.", "fiscal_impact": "The official HB604 note estimates at least $150,000 more annually from fiscal 2028 for arbitration and staff, potentially much more. Personnel spending could change significantly from fiscal 2029; the amount depends on agreements and appropriations.", "effective_date": "Approval enables the contingent statutory provisions. The fiscal note models administrative spending from fiscal 2028 and personnel effects as early as fiscal 2029; a single implementation date is not established here.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MD-2026-Question 2", "state": "MD", "designation": "Question 2", "title": "Temporary judicial-disability commission members", "topic": "Government", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Maryland", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/md-2026-question-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Maryland final statewide ballot questions and corrected Question 3", "url": "https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/ballot_questions.html" }, { "name": "Maryland Constitution Article XIV, amendment approval", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=c14&enactments=false§ion=1" } ], "baseline": "The current commission rules do not authorize the proposed temporary replacements when members recuse, are disqualified or finish their terms.", "ai_summary": "Would allow the chair to recall eligible former commission members temporarily. At the chair’s request, the governor could appoint eligible substitutes or extend a current member’s term until a permanent replacement arrives.", "yes_effect": "Authorize the temporary appointment and extension procedures.", "no_effect": "Keep the existing membership rules.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "MD-2026-Question 3", "state": "MD", "designation": "Question 3", "title": "Congressional redistricting criteria and court review", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Uses the election board’s revised wording following the September 3, 2026 Supreme Court order. The proposal is on the November ballot; earlier reports of its removal are superseded.", "The amendment changes state constitutional constraints; it does not repeal federal redistricting requirements or itself provide a new district map." ], "state_name": "Maryland", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/md-2026-question-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Maryland final statewide ballot questions and corrected Question 3", "url": "https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/ballot_questions.html" }, { "name": "Maryland Constitution Article XIV, amendment approval", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=c14&enactments=false§ion=1" } ], "baseline": "The state constitution contains district-boundary criteria. This amendment would expressly limit the relevant criteria to state legislative districts and address congressional-plan review.", "ai_summary": "Would specify that the Maryland constitution supplies no boundary criteria for congressional districts, while retaining the relevant criteria for state legislative districts. It would also let the legislature give the state Supreme Court original jurisdiction over congressional redistricting plans.", "yes_effect": "Adopt the congressional-boundary and court-jurisdiction changes.", "no_effect": "Keep the current constitutional text.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "Implementation date not independently established in this baseline.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "RI-2026-Question 1", "state": "RI", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "Higher education facilities", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Rhode Island", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ri-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Rhode Island official 2026 voter handbook, five state bonds", "url": "https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/VoterRef26.pdf" }, { "name": "Rhode Island enacted 2026 bond referral, Article 5 Sections 3 and 13", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law26/law26084-05.htm" } ], "baseline": "The state has not yet received voter authorization for this specific bond package.", "ai_summary": "Would authorize $165 million for a University of Rhode Island health building, $50 million for Rhode Island College’s Adams Library and $60 million for a Community College of Rhode Island workforce center.", "yes_effect": "Approve the proposed borrowing.", "no_effect": "Reject this borrowing authorization.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal: $275,000,000. The guide estimates $166,333,250 in interest and $441,333,250 total cost, including issuance costs, assuming 20-year repayment at 5%. Actual costs may differ.", "effective_date": "Borrowing provisions take effect after certification of voter approval. Guide estimates: library and workforce center ready in 2030; URI health building in 2031.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the individual bond question.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "RI-2026-Question 2", "state": "RI", "designation": "Question 2", "title": "Housing and homeownership", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Rhode Island", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ri-2026-question-2/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Rhode Island official 2026 voter handbook, five state bonds", "url": "https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/VoterRef26.pdf" }, { "name": "Rhode Island enacted 2026 bond referral, Article 5 Sections 3 and 13", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law26/law26084-05.htm" } ], "baseline": "The state has not yet received voter authorization for this specific bond package.", "ai_summary": "Would finance affordable and accessible housing, including construction, renovation, acquisition and infrastructure. At least $25 million would support homes intended for ownership; up to $10 million could support public housing.", "yes_effect": "Approve the proposed borrowing.", "no_effect": "Reject this borrowing authorization.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal: $120,000,000. The guide estimates $72,586,000 in interest and $192,586,000 total cost, including issuance costs, assuming 20-year repayment at 5%. Actual costs may differ.", "effective_date": "Borrowing provisions take effect after certification of voter approval. Guide estimates work beginning by 2028 and completion in 2029–2032.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the individual bond question.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "RI-2026-Question 3", "state": "RI", "designation": "Question 3", "title": "Economic development", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Rhode Island", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ri-2026-question-3/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Rhode Island official 2026 voter handbook, five state bonds", "url": "https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/VoterRef26.pdf" }, { "name": "Rhode Island enacted 2026 bond referral, Article 5 Sections 3 and 13", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law26/law26084-05.htm" } ], "baseline": "The state has not yet received voter authorization for this specific bond package.", "ai_summary": "Would allocate $55 million to site acquisition, preparation and infrastructure, and $45 million to infrastructure for ocean, defense, life-science, data and related industries.", "yes_effect": "Approve the proposed borrowing.", "no_effect": "Reject this borrowing authorization.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal: $100,000,000. The guide estimates $60,483,750 in interest and $160,483,750 total cost, including issuance costs, assuming 20-year repayment at 5%. Actual costs may differ.", "effective_date": "Borrowing provisions take effect after certification of voter approval. Guide anticipates starts in mid-to-late 2027, with many projects undertaken within five years.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the individual bond question.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "RI-2026-Question 4", "state": "RI", "designation": "Question 4", "title": "Cultural economy", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Rhode Island", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ri-2026-question-4/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Rhode Island official 2026 voter handbook, five state bonds", "url": "https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/VoterRef26.pdf" }, { "name": "Rhode Island enacted 2026 bond referral, Article 5 Sections 3 and 13", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law26/law26084-05.htm" } ], "baseline": "The state has not yet received voter authorization for this specific bond package.", "ai_summary": "Would allocate $45 million to a State History Center in Providence and $5 million to historic-preservation grants for public and nonprofit facilities.", "yes_effect": "Approve the proposed borrowing.", "no_effect": "Reject this borrowing authorization.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal: $50,000,000. The guide estimates $30,242,500 in interest and $80,242,500 total cost, including issuance costs, assuming 20-year repayment at 5%. Actual costs may differ.", "effective_date": "Borrowing provisions take effect after certification of voter approval. Guide targets fall 2030 for the history center. Grants would start in 2027 and continue for three to five years.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the individual bond question.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "RI-2026-Question 5", "state": "RI", "designation": "Question 5", "title": "Environment and recreation", "topic": "Bonds", "type": "General obligation bond", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Rhode Island", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/ri-2026-question-5/", "source_check_status": "unchanged", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Rhode Island official 2026 voter handbook, five state bonds", "url": "https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Forms/Elections/Guides/VoterRef26.pdf" }, { "name": "Rhode Island enacted 2026 bond referral, Article 5 Sections 3 and 13", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/PublicLaws/law26/law26084-05.htm" } ], "baseline": "The state has not yet received voter authorization for this specific bond package.", "ai_summary": "Would fund brownfield cleanup, park and recreation improvements, marine infrastructure, flood and climate resilience, watershed restoration, farmland and open-space protection. The largest allocation is $25 million for resilient infrastructure.", "yes_effect": "Approve the proposed borrowing.", "no_effect": "Reject this borrowing authorization.", "fiscal_impact": "Principal: $55,000,000. The guide estimates $33,267,500 in interest and $88,267,500 total cost, including issuance costs, assuming 20-year repayment at 5%. Actual costs may differ.", "effective_date": "Borrowing provisions take effect after certification of voter approval. The guide expects most projects to finish within five years of starting; it does not give one statewide commencement date.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the individual bond question.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "VA-2026-Question 1", "state": "VA", "designation": "Question 1", "title": "Constitutional reproductive freedom", "topic": "Health", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Virginia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/va-2026-question-1/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Virginia official county election guide: all three November amendments", "url": "https://votefloydva.gov/current-elections/november-3-2026-general-special-election/2026-proposed-constitutional-amendments/" }, { "name": "Virginia Constitution Article XII, amendment approval", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article12/section1/" }, { "name": "Virginia Department of Elections enacted-law training: November amendment implementation", "url": "https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/training/2026-Legislative-Changes-Updates-Webinar-05-07-26.pdf" } ], "baseline": "Virginia’s constitution does not expressly establish a right to reproductive freedom. Existing health-care statutes and other legal protections still apply.", "ai_summary": "Would establish a fundamental right covering reproductive decisions and protect people receiving or voluntarily assisting that care. Restrictions would need a narrowly defined compelling health interest. Third-trimester abortion regulation would remain possible, with exceptions for the patient’s life or physical or mental health and for a nonviable fetus.", "yes_effect": "Add the reproductive-freedom protections and stated exceptions.", "no_effect": "Leave the state constitution without this new provision.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027, if approved.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "VA-2026-Question 2", "state": "VA", "designation": "Question 2", "title": "Marriage equality in the constitution", "topic": "Civil rights", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [], "state_name": "Virginia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/va-2026-question-2/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Virginia official county election guide: all three November amendments", "url": "https://votefloydva.gov/current-elections/november-3-2026-general-special-election/2026-proposed-constitutional-amendments/" }, { "name": "Virginia Constitution Article XII, amendment approval", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article12/section1/" }, { "name": "Virginia Department of Elections enacted-law training: November amendment implementation", "url": "https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/training/2026-Legislative-Changes-Updates-Webinar-05-07-26.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitution still contains a same-sex marriage ban, but it is unenforceable under current federal constitutional law.", "ai_summary": "Would remove the ban and require Virginia to issue licenses for, recognize and equally treat lawful marriages between two adults regardless of their sex, gender or race.", "yes_effect": "Replace the unenforceable ban with explicit marriage-equality protections.", "no_effect": "Leave the existing text in place; a no vote does not itself end current federal protections.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027, if approved.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" }, { "id": "VA-2026-Question 3", "state": "VA", "designation": "Question 3", "title": "Voting rights after incarceration", "topic": "Elections", "type": "Constitutional amendment", "election_date": "2026-11-03", "jurisdiction": "statewide", "status": "On November ballot", "reviewed_at": "2026-10-27", "summary_status": "source_checked", "review_method": "AI-written and checked against linked official evidence; not an election-office summary.", "limitations": [ "Some official amendment explainers describe the constitutional felony ban without the newer court-limited enforcement. This baseline also uses the current Department of Elections eligibility guidance." ], "state_name": "Virginia", "url": "https://americanoptimists.com/elections/ballot-measures/va-2026-question-3/", "source_check_status": "not_fully_comparable", "source_checked_at": "2026-10-28T14:08:57.289517+00:00", "sources": [ { "name": "Virginia official county election guide: all three November amendments", "url": "https://votefloydva.gov/current-elections/november-3-2026-general-special-election/2026-proposed-constitutional-amendments/" }, { "name": "Virginia current felony-conviction eligibility guidance", "url": "https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/felony-convictions-and-voter-eligibility/" }, { "name": "Virginia Secretary of Commonwealth current restoration guidance", "url": "https://www.restore.virginia.gov/" }, { "name": "Virginia Constitution Article XII, amendment approval", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitution/article12/section1/" }, { "name": "Virginia Department of Elections enacted-law training: November amendment implementation", "url": "https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/training/2026-Legislative-Changes-Updates-Webinar-05-07-26.pdf" } ], "baseline": "The constitutional text broadly disqualifies people with felony convictions unless rights are restored. A federal court order now limits enforcement: current election guidance allows people released from incarceration for non-disqualifying felonies to register without a governor’s restoration. Current incapacity wording is broader than the proposal.", "ai_summary": "Would establish a fundamental right to vote for qualified residents, bar voting during incarceration for a felony, and automatically restore political rights after release. It would narrow incapacity-based disqualification to a court finding that the person cannot understand voting.", "yes_effect": "Adopt automatic post-incarceration rights and the narrower incapacity standard.", "no_effect": "Retain the current constitutional text, subject to existing court orders.", "fiscal_impact": "No verified fiscal estimate recorded in this baseline. This does not mean there is no cost.", "effective_date": "January 1, 2027, if approved.", "passage_rule": "A majority of votes cast on the amendment.", "voting_format": "yes_no" } ] }