By Lev Borshchevsky
This year, voters across the country not only chose who they wanted to see in the White House for the next four years. Simultaneously, at polling stations in different states, voting was underway for candidates for the Senate (34 seats) and for members of the House of Representatives (all 435 seats), and in 13 states, they also elected governors and numerous local officials.
However, in addition to everything, a large number of ballots included a separate line for voting on a wide variety of important initiatives and issues: abortion, marijuana use, education issues, border security, and much more. The Voice of America Russian Service provides details.
Abortion Rights
The issue of protecting the right to abortion was included on ballots in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota.
Minimum Wage
Since 1998, 24 bills have been passed to increase the minimum wage. In the current elections, three more states voted on this issue. California is likely to raise its minimum wage to $18 an hour, the highest in the nation. Alaska and Missouri may raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour and require all employers to provide paid sick leave. There is one more state that is also voting for paid sick days — Nebraska. If Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska vote for these measures, it will increase the number of states requiring paid sick leave to 17 (plus Washington, D.C.).
Marijuana: Legalization & Limits
Recreational marijuana is already legal in 24 states, as well as in Washington, D.C. Now Florida may join them — and this is against the backdrop of millions of dollars that state Governor Ron DeSantis spent on taxpayer-funded social advertising warning about the dangers of marijuana. North and South Dakota will vote for the third time on the legalization of marijuana. In North Dakota, it failed with 59% against 41% in 2018 and 55% against 45% in 2022.
Massachusetts has long legalized marijuana but may go further in this election: the state could become the third to legalize psychedelics. The issue of immigration and border closure has become the subject of a referendum in Arizona, which would make illegal border crossing a crime in this state and allow authorities to arrest and deport violators.
Education
Education is also at the forefront of voters’ attention. Kentucky will allow public funds to be directed to private schools, and the ‘right to choose a school’ may be added to the Colorado state constitution. In a Nebraska referendum, voters were asked to repeal a new law that allocates $10 million a year to school vouchers. And an amendment to Florida law will make school board elections in the Sunshine State partisan.
New Yorkers Decide on Rights and City Safety
New Yorkers also voted on more than just the president, senator, and congressional representatives. They had several important state and city ballot measures to consider. The ballot included a proposal to codify rights and freedoms in the state, including access to abortion and expanded authority for city government. City-level amendments addressed issues such as budget control, public safety, and business support.
Brooklyn Elects Russian-speaking Leaders
The elections have brought victory to the well-known politician Alec Brook-Krasny, who represents the 46th Assembly District in Brooklyn. Voters from the neighboring 45th district once again gave their preference to another candidate from our community – Michael “Misha” Novakhov, a Republican from Sheepshead Bay.
The Bukharian Times editorial board congratulates the politicians who have earned the respect of Russian-speaking voters and wishes them success in meeting the expectations of New Yorkers who cast their votes for them.
This article was translated from Russian into English, with minor edits.