Amid yesterday’s blue deluge, a number of interesting ballot initiatives – a citizen-initiated referendum on a particular measure – were also voted on. Cockburn has compiled some significant or curious ones for your reading pleasure…
California billionaire wealth tax – Failed
Proposition 40, which would have levied a one-off 5 percent tax on the net worth of the state’s billionaires, has been defeated 56 percent to 44 percent. Bernie Sanders supported the measure, but Governor Gavin Newsom was not in favor, and Silicon Valley funded the opposition.
Ban on transgender athletes in K-12 girls’ sports – Passed in three states
Nebraska and Arizona – but also deep-blue Washington – have passed bans on transgender students competing in girls’ athletics at a K-12 level. Colorado is expected to pass a similar measure as well, though the final result has not yet been called.
Washington, DC ban on foie gras – Passed
The capital’s voters have passed a ban on foie gras – a delicacy consisting of the fatty liver of a force-fed goose – which campaigners said was unethical. The measure passed overwhelmingly, winning about 73 percent of the vote.
Mamdani’s measures – Passed
Five “charter initiatives” recommended by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s curiously-named Commission on Government Efficiency passed. These would, among other things, make it easier for restaurants to offer al fresco dining on sidewalks, reform City procurement processes, put in place financial-reserves targets, and simplify construction permits for developers.
Voter ID – Passed in four out of seven states
Ballot initiatives to mandate ID for in-person voting and mail ballots passed in Ohio, North Carolina, Nevada and Oklahoma – but failed in Arizona, Colorado and California.
Idaho state gun – Passed
Idaho voters were asked whether they wanted to designate the Winchester Model 1873 – an old Wild West staple – as the state’s official gun. Idaho voters said yes, with the firearm receiving 31 percent support, the highest share of any of the guns on the ballot.
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