Blue wave meets ballot box surprises as voters split on abortion, voter ID and billionaire taxes
In a series of consequential ballot measures across multiple states, voters approved stricter voter ID requirements while rejecting abortion rights and making English the official language in Idaho.
While Democrats' midterm sweep dominated Election Night, voters in several states delivered consequential — and sometimes crosscutting — verdicts on voter ID, abortion access, taxes and English-language laws. The down-ballot decisions largely unfolded beneath the shadow of the GOP's crushing losses, offering a separate look at the policy priorities voters chose to elevate in their states.
Voter ID Requirements Expand
Voters in Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio all voted to pass voter ID requirements, even as talks among federal lawmakers have stalled on the issue. In North Carolina, the state has required photo ID for in-person voting since 2018, but with the adoption of a constitutional amendment in a 59.6% to 40.3% vote, the Tar Heel State expanded the requirement to all forms of voting.
Similarly, in Ohio, voters passed Issue 3 in a 65.3% to 34.6% vote. Although Ohio already had pre-existing in-person voter-ID laws, Issue 3 codified the requirement in the state's constitution, making it harder to overturn later. In Nevada, Question 7 passed in a 62.1% to 37.8% vote, establishing a constitutional amendment to enact the state's first voter-ID requirement.
English Becomes Official Language
In Idaho, voters approved HJR6 in a 63.1% to 36.8% outcome, a measure that makes English the official language of the state, codifying it for use in public proceedings with a constitutional amendment. English had already been made Idaho's official language through statute since 2007.
One of the things that unites us all as a culture, as a country, as a state, is language. And what used to be the desired effect, which was assimilation — learn the language, learn the culture, learn the history — those things have slipped away. And we don't see assimilation anymore.
Abortion Rights Rejected
Alongside their English language constitutional amendment, voters in Idaho rejected Proposition 1, which would have created a right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability, except in cases of medical emergency. The rejection came despite the measure being supported by abortion rights advocates who argued it would protect women's healthcare choices.
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