A guide to the key ballot measures voters will decide on Election Day

A ballot measure is a proposal placed before voters for a direct yes-or-no decision. It can create a law, amend a state constitution, or repeal an existing policy. Voting for a candidate is different: voters choose a person to represent them in government and make decisions on their behalf.

For example, voters may decide whether their state constitution should require identification when voting in person or by mail. They are not selecting a lawmaker in that question. They are accepting or rejecting the proposed rule itself.

This distinction matters because ballot measures give voters a direct role in policymaking. The article describes measures involving election laws, transgender rights, taxes, and abortion. It also notes that states set different rules for proposing measures and different thresholds for passing them, such as Florida's 60% requirement for constitutional amendments.

The 2026 midterm ballot includes measures in 39 states. Across the nation, voters will consider 145 total initiatives, making ballot questions a major part of the election beyond congressional and state races.

California and Colorado have the largest number of measures, with 14 each. The proposals cover subjects such as election rules, transgender rights, taxes, and abortion. Other measures address noncitizen voting and voter identification requirements.

The scale matters because these votes could change state laws and constitutions across the country. The number of measures is not evenly distributed, and each state uses its own process for putting proposals before voters. Five states will also vote on changes to the ballot-measure process itself, potentially affecting how future initiatives reach the ballot.

Ballot measures give voters decisions on several major policy disputes. The article identifies election laws, taxes, abortion, and transgender rights as key topics. Some proposals would change state constitutional language, while others would create or repeal laws.

Six states will consider language saying only U.S. citizens can vote in state elections. Voters in six other states will consider constitutional amendments requiring identification when voting in person or by mail. Five states will decide issues involving transgender rights, including sports participation and gender-affirming surgery for minors.

These questions matter because they can settle issues that legislatures have not resolved. The article says measures in some Democratic-led states seek to limit transgender athletes' rights. It also notes that the Supreme Court upheld laws banning trans women and girls from teams matching their gender identity, while other topics include taxes and abortion.

States control how proposals reach the ballot. In California, citizens can bypass the state legislature by gathering support for a proposed initiative and placing it before voters. Other states require legislators to vote to include a measure.

The article gives a clear reason for using citizen initiatives: supporters may know their state legislature will not pass the policy they want. Instead, they petition to put the question directly before the public. This lets voters decide without waiting for lawmakers to agree.

The process itself can also become an election issue. In November, citizens in five states will vote on their ballot-measure processes. Those votes could change who may propose measures or how proposals are placed before voters. The article does not describe each state's petition requirements, so those details vary and are not specified here.

A successful ballot measure can change the rules governing a state. Some measures create new laws or constitutional amendments, while others repeal policies already in force. That gives voters a direct influence over legal policy beyond electing officials.

The mechanism differs by state. Florida constitutional amendments require 60% approval. Nevada requires citizen-initiated constitutional amendments to pass twice, in successive elections, before implementation. These examples show that winning one election is not always enough.

The consequences can reach elections, civil rights, taxes, abortion policy, and other areas. Proposed measures this year include citizenship language for voting, voter-identification requirements, and transgender-rights questions. If approved under each state's rules, they could alter state statutes or constitutional text. The article does not give implementation details for every proposal.

Midterm elections traditionally draw lower turnout than presidential elections. Ballot measures can add compelling issues to the ballot, giving voters another reason to participate beyond congressional, state, and local races.

Rick Hasen, an election law expert and UCLA political science professor, said some measures are put on the ballot to incentivize voter turnout. A question about voting rules, abortion, taxes, or transgender rights can attract attention from people who might otherwise skip a midterm election.

This strategy can shape who shows up and how voters engage with the election. The article does not claim that every measure is designed for turnout, or that measures always increase participation. It says they sometimes serve that purpose. In 2026, 145 initiatives across 39 states will appear alongside the regular contests.

Direct democracy is a system in which voters decide policy proposals themselves. Instead of only electing legislators to make laws, citizens can vote directly on initiatives, constitutional amendments, or repeals. A ballot measure is the vehicle that puts such a question before voters.

California illustrates the mechanism described in the article. Citizens can bypass the state legislature and include proposed initiatives on the ballot. Voters then decide whether to approve the proposal. In other states, legislators must vote to place a measure before the public, so the process is less direct.

Direct democracy matters because it can bring issues to voters when lawmakers disagree or refuse to act. The article identifies measures involving election rules, taxes, abortion, and transgender rights. It also notes that five states will vote on their ballot-measure processes, which could shape future citizen participation.