The “Other” Elections

Americans have been voting for more than just their next President. In some states Americans will decide their senators, members of the House of Representatives, and vote on ballot measures.

Man posting his ballot in the ballot box
(Image: UNSplash)

With the overturning of Roe v Wade, removing the constitutional right to an abortion, many states are now seeking to enshrine reproductive rights in their own constitution.

Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota all have ballots to protect abortion rights, whilst Nebraska has two ballots on abortion: one to enshrine abortion in the constitution and another to ban abortion after the first trimester. Votes to legalise Marijuana will also be held in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota while votes on raising the minimum wage will be in California, Massachusetts, and Missouri.

Whoever wins the Presidency will need support in Congress and both its houses to pass their legislation. In the senate there are many tight races between Republicans and Democrats, with the democrats going into the election with control of the chamber. There are many important senate seats up for grabs, with swing states:Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania holding elections. However, the most important race may be in Texas with Colin Allred challenging the Republican incumbent Ted Cruz with the Democrats having an opportunity to win an election in this republican stronghold. In the House all seats are up for grabs with 218 seats needed for either party to take control. The previous House had been plagued with infighting with republicans having control of a narrow majority but internal divisions resulted in protracted and intense debates with little progress. 

Gubernatorial elections will also happen in 11 states, with President Biden’s home state of Delaware amongst those who will get a new governor.     

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