2020 Ballot Measures: Gig Economy Rules, An Abortion Ban, Shrooms And Other Initiatives We’re Watching

Plus: The Tight Races To Watch In Tonight’s Presidential And Congressional Elections

TOPLINE

Direct democracy is alive and well in the U.S., with voters in several states deciding on major ballot measures about the gig economy, abortion, magic mushrooms and more. Here’s how the most consequential ballot initiatives are faring so far:

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KEY FACTS

The fate of the gig economy in California will be decided by Proposition 22, which if passed would allow companies like Uber, Lyft, Doordash and Instacart to keep their drivers independent contractors instead of employees.

Four states—Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota—are voting to legalize recreational marijuana, while Mississippi and South Dakota also have medical marijuana on the ballot.

Colorado voters will decide on a controversial measure that would ban abortions after 22 weeks.

Oregon may become the first state to legalize psychedelic mushrooms. 

California voters will decide whether the government and public universities can use affirmative action in hiring and admissions policies.

Proposition 25 in California would end cash bail and replace it with a risk-assessment algorithm, a move opposed by both the ACLU and the bail industry.

Florida’s Amendment 2 would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026.

Utah and Nebraska are voting on measure that would remove slavery as a punishment for crimes, both of which have had the provision in their state Constitutions since the late1800s.

Washington voters will decide whether public schools should teach comprehensive sex education. 

BIG NUMBER

100 million. That’s the number of people that voted before Election Day.

Across Forbes