The 2024 US elections are over.
Voters across the U.S. approved a range of measures that profoundly impact public health, rights, and equity.
With impactful decisions spanning reproductive rights, criminal justice reform, healthcare access, climate resilience, and protections for LGBTQ+ communities.
These ballot initiatives reflect a growing commitment to health and justice for all.
Here’s a closer look at the most significant wins you should know about.
Abortion Rights
Arizona: Voters approved Proposition 139, establishing a fundamental right to abortion in the state constitution. This measure prohibits state interference with abortion access before fetal viability, generally considered between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Maryland: Voters approved Question 1, a constitutional amendment enshrining reproductive rights in Maryland’s Declaration of Rights. This measure confirms an individual’s right to make pregnancy-related decisions and prevents state interference unless justified by a compelling interest. While abortion is already legal, this amendment adds strong constitutional protections against future restrictions.
Missouri: Amendment 3, or the ”Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative,” establishes a constitutional right to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, prenatal care, and contraception. While the state can impose restrictions after fetal viability (around 22-24 weeks), exceptions are made to protect the mother’s life or health. This amendment also prohibits discrimination against providers or patients within government-funded programs, reinforcing protections for those accessing reproductive care.
Nevada: Voters approved Question 6, an amendment that guarantees abortion access as a constitutional right, including the right to prenatal care, contraception, and abortion decisions. The state may impose restrictions only after fetal viability, but with allowances for maternal health risks. Nevada requires a second voter approval in 2026 to finalize the amendment, reflecting strong initial support for reproductive rights.
Montana: Montana voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting the right to make personal decisions about pregnancy, including abortion, up to fetal viability. Effective July 1, 2025, it bars government penalties on healthcare providers or patients for pre-viability abortions, reinforcing Montana’s privacy rights established in Armstrong vs. State of Montana. This victory follows the 2022 rejection of a restrictive “born alive” measure, affirming the state’s commitment to reproductive freedom despite recent legislative efforts to limit it.
New York: Proposal 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, extends New York’s anti-discrimination protections to include reproductive rights, such as pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare choices. Although abortion isn’t specifically mentioned, the measure safeguards these rights by adding protections related to gender identity, disability, and reproductive health alongside race and religion. This amendment strengthens New York’s existing laws, which allow abortion up to 24 weeks.
More abortion laws across the ballots
Voting Rights
California: Proposition 17 was approved, restoring voting rights to individuals on parole for felony convictions. This change re-enfranchises approximately 50,000 Californians, allowing them to participate in future elections.
Iowa: A constitutional amendment was passed allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections, provided they will be 18 by the general election. This change aims to encourage youth participation in the democratic process and foster civic engagement among young voters.
Minimum Wage
Missouri: Proposition A was approved, increasing the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026 and mandating paid sick leave for employees. Workers will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, enhancing labor standards and worker protections.
Criminal Justice Reform
Nevada: Voters approved a constitutional amendment to remove language permitting slavery and indentured servitude as criminal punishments. This move aligns with a national effort to eliminate forced labor exceptions from state constitutions, stemming from a clause in the 13th Amendment. By removing this outdated language, Nevada joins other states in modernizing its justice system to reflect current human rights standards and equity, particularly addressing prison labor practices affecting marginalized communities.
Climate
Louisiana: Voters approved Amendment 1, mandating that federal revenues from offshore renewable energy production be allocated to the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. This ensures that funds from activities like offshore wind and solar energy are dedicated to preserving and restoring Louisiana’s coastline, which is vital for mitigating erosion and protecting against hurricanes.
Oakland, California: Residents passed Measure MM, establishing a special parcel tax to fund wildfire prevention efforts in high-risk areas. The tax, set at $99 annually for single-family homes and $65 for condominiums and multifamily units, is expected to generate approximately $2.67 million in its first year. Funds will support vegetation management, evacuation route protection, enhanced fire patrols during high-risk periods, and other initiatives to reduce wildfire risk.
Washington State: Voters upheld the Climate Commitment Act, a comprehensive policy designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-invest program. The act sets a statewide emissions cap and requires major emitters to purchase allowances, incentivizing reductions and funding investments in clean energy and environmental justice initiatives. This decision reinforces Washington’s commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to a sustainable economy.
LGBTQ+ Rights
California: Voters approved Proposition 3, repealing the 2008 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and affirming marriage equality for all couples. This measure removes outdated language and strengthens protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Colorado: Amendment J was passed, eliminating the state’s constitutional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This repeal aligns Colorado’s constitution with federal law and reinforces the state’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
Other Election Thoughts
The work is going to need working – regardless of political leaders.
While the fight for health equity may be more challenging considering the environment. I’m not going to gaslight you, cause I don’t know what’s to come.
What I do know though, is that it does not stop the fight. So get your rest and let’s get ready to get to work.
Conclusion
As we look back on the 2024 ballot results, it’s clear that voters nationwide have still taken steps to shape a healthier, and fairer future.
While not all election fights were won for equity. There were a lot of strides that took place. And many more strides that will need to take place. We must ensure that we fortify ourselves for the ongoing battle for health equity.
Let’s keep building on this momentum and continue to advocate for policies that support the well-being of all communities.
