Midterms are right around the corner, and with that voters have the opportunity to influence state governance directly through various ballot measures. In recent years, an average of 161 ballot measures have been filed nationally per election cycle, and 71 have already qualified for the 2026 ballot. Common themes include voter ID, term limits, and protections for gun ownership. Here are some of the measures we are watching:
Colorado:
The Centennial State has Proposition 109, “The Protect Women and Girls’ Sports Act,” which requires sports be designated male, female, or co-ed. Proposition 110 is also on its way to the Secretary of State’s office, better known as “The Protect Children from Irreversible Sex Change Surgery Act,” which prohibits surgeries intended to alter a child’s sex. And finally, Proposition 108, “The Children Are Not for Sale Act,” increases criminal penalties for child sex trafficking.
Maine:
Maine has a citizen-led initiative that would require public schools to designate a sports organization based on an athlete’s corresponding sex on their original birth certificates. It also would require public schools to maintain separate restrooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, and other private spaces for each sex. Students will be able to sue schools or organizations that violate these provisions.
Virginia:
Virgina has a “Right to Reproductive Freedom” amendment that would elevate the right to reproductive freedom, including abortion, to the state constitution. There is also a marriage amendment on the ballot that redefines marriage as the union between two adults.
Washington:
Washington has an amendment that would re-enact the Washington Parents’ Bill of Rights. The official summary says, “The re-enacted law would list certain rights of parents and guardians of public-school children, including rights to review materials and student records, receive certain notifications, and opt students out of certain activities.” The state also has a measure that bars males “from competing with or against female students in certain interschool athletic activities that are intended for female students only.” Both amendments have gained over 415,000 signatures and have been submitted to the Secretary of State.
Missouri:
Missouri’s Amendment 3 would prohibit abortion and gender transition procedures for minors. The amendment was agreed upon in both chambers of the legislature last year.
Nevada:
Similar to Virginia’s “Right to Reproductive Freedom,” Nevada’s Question 6 would establish a state constitutional right to an abortion.
We expect many more amendments are on the way. The Arizona House of Representatives passed an amendment last week to keep men out of women’s sports. If it passes the Senate, Arizonans will have the opportunity to vote on the issue directly. CWALAC will continue to monitor these amendments and more as they make their way to the ballots.
