There's no shortage of attention on what Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton would do as president. But voters in many states are taking matters into their own hands to settle contentious debates over marijuana, the minimum wage, and gun control, among other issues. Thirty-five states and Washington, D.C., are considering 163 ballot measures this year, with 71 of those initiated by voters rather than legislators—the most since 2006. Polls suggest that voters are prepared to make some big changes at home no matter who becomes president.
The number of states where recreational marijuana is legal could doubleVoters in Arizona, California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusetts will decide if they'll join four states and Washington, D.C., in legalizing recreational marijuana use. If measures in all five states are approved, 75 million people would live in a state where recreational marijuana use is allowed. Polls in these states are a mixed bag: Most polls in California show a clear majority of support for Proposition 64, while Arizona's measure seems unlikely to get enough votes.
Ballot measures related to marijuana regulations
Current marijuana laws
Four states could lift the minimum wage; one might lower itMost states have a higher hourly minimum wage than the federal minimum of $7.25, and four states will vote whether to raise theirs again this year. Maine, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington could phase in a minimum hourly wage of $12 or more by 2020. South Dakotans will decide whether to create a second, lower minimum for teenage workers—purportedly to protect starter jobs for young people.
Minimum wage in states voting on the issue
Current minimum wage
Four states seem likely to pass tougher gun lawsWhile federal law requires background checks on gun purchases from licensed dealers, eight states and Washington, D.C., require them for all purchases. According to polls, four states voting this year seem to strongly favor further restrictions on firearms.
State ballot measures related to firearm regulations
Current firearm-access laws
The stakes are high: Various groups have spent almost $98 million campaigning to influence the fate of these ballot measures alone. That's because measures often have impact beyond the borders of the state that approves them—any could be fodder for federal activity or Supreme Court consideration. A growing market for legal recreational marijuana has implications for businesses in that fledgling industry. States that vote to make it tougher to buy a gun this year could encourage others to take up similar measures in future elections. So while the spotlight has been on who will win the White House, much of the action on Nov. 8 will happen closer to home.