Ballot measures on abortion access could attract voters to the polls in November who might otherwise sit out the election. Even a small number of additional voters could make a significant difference in close races at all levels of government.

Scholars and ballot measure experts are divided on the impact that ballot measures have had on candidate elections in the past. However, with the recent Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling ending the nationwide right to abortion, these measures are seen as potentially influential in swaying election results.

“2024 is a test in this post-Dobbs world of how this issue being on the ballot will impact candidates,” said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.

Currently, voters in nine states are considering measures to add the right to abortion to their state constitutions, making abortion one of the most prominent issues on the ballot this year.

The outcome of these ballot measures could have far-reaching implications, potentially affecting candidate races at all levels of government. With more than 140 questions being posed in 41 states, including marijuana legalization, immigration, election procedures, sports betting, and minimum wage, the 2024 election promises to be eventful.