A dose of direct democracy is influencing the off-year elections this November, as voters across six states will decide on 24 statewide ballot measures, according to Ballotpedia. These measures tackle critical issues ranging from redrawing congressional maps and gun control to election integrity. Texas alone will feature 17 of these initiatives on its ballots, as reported by the State Court Report website.
Here are the seven key ballot initiatives to watch ahead of Election Day, November 4.
### 1. Newsom’s Gerrymandering Power Grab – California Proposition 50
California’s Proposition 50 would shift the authority to draw congressional maps from the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission, established by voters in 2010, back to the state Legislature. If approved, this change is likely to flip five Republican-held U.S. House seats to Democrats.
Governor Gavin Newsom and most Democrats support the measure. The pro-Newsom campaign has raised $106.4 million, dwarfing the $44.3 million raised by opponents. In fact, 95% of all spending for ballot measures in 2025 has been directed toward Proposition 50, according to Nicole Fisher of Ballotpedia.
Newsom frames this move as a response to recent redistricting in Texas that favored Republicans. Former Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former U.S. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy have campaigned against the change.
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, noted, “Democrats have a big spending advantage. They turned it into a partisan, nationalized fight, and framed it as a tit-for-tat between California versus Texas.”
### 2. Election Integrity on the Maine Ballot – Question 1
Maine voters will weigh in on a measure that introduces voter ID requirements and new absentee voting rules. Maine is unique in not requiring voter ID, while 36 other states have some form of voter ID law, and 24 demand photo ID.
Opponents of the measure have raised $1.7 million compared to $802,000 from supporters, per Ballotpedia. A University of New Hampshire poll reveals the electorate is nearly split: 49% oppose, 48% support, and 3% remain undecided.
If passed, Maine’s Question 1 would require voters to present photo ID both in-person and when voting absentee. It would limit municipalities to one ballot drop box each and require a bipartisan group of election officials to collect ballots from drop boxes.
Kondik explains, “Voter ID is something voters generally support, but it’s the absentee voting rules and other pieces that seem to be giving some voters pause.”
Other provisions include the state providing free photo ID cards to voters without driver’s licenses upon request and prohibiting absentee ballot requests made through family members.
### 3. Democrat Governor Opposes Gun Control in Maine – Question 2
Maine’s Question 2 proposes an “extreme risk protection order,” allowing family members or law enforcement to petition courts to temporarily limit a person’s access to firearms.
Interestingly, Democratic Governor Janet Mills opposes the measure, urging voters to reject it. She argues, “The so-called ‘red flag’ measure has been billed as strengthening gun safety measures—but in reality, it will undermine the safety of the public.” Mills notes that existing laws already permit courts to remove dangerous weapons from individuals who pose risks.
Supporters have raised over $843,000, while opponents have collected less than $65,000. Polling is tight, with 22% of voters still undecided, according to the University of New Hampshire.
Nicole Fisher commented, “Both questions in Maine are neck-and-neck, with a lot of undecided voters.”
### 4. Only Citizens Voting in Texas? – Proposition 16
In Texas, Proposition 16 proposes a constitutional amendment to ban noncitizens from voting. Fourteen states have already passed similar statewide bans, with eight enacting them just last November.
These bans partly respond to local governments in California, Illinois, Maryland, Vermont, and the District of Columbia allowing noncitizens to vote in certain local elections—such as for mayor or school board.
The Texas measure received bipartisan support in both houses of the Legislature. Recently, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reported that as many as 2,724 noncitizens were registered to vote in the state.
### 5. Tough on Crime in Texas – Proposition 3
Texas voters will also consider Proposition 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that denies bail for individuals charged with serious crimes. These include murder, capital murder, aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury with a weapon, aggravated kidnapping, robbery, sexual assault, indecency with a child, and human trafficking.
Governor Greg Abbott supports the amendment, which passed both legislative houses overwhelmingly with bipartisan backing.
### 6. First-in-Nation Parental Rights Amendment – Texas Proposition 15
Proposition 15 in Texas seeks to add parental rights to the state constitution, granting parents the final authority over their children’s care and upbringing. If passed, Texas would be the first state to enshrine such rights constitutionally, though 26 other states have “parents bill of rights” laws.
“This would primarily give parents more rights in court for legal challenges,” said Nicole Fisher. Issues affected may include gender policies, contraception, and other controversial school matters.
The measure enjoys unanimous support in the Texas Senate and broad bipartisan support in the House.
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These ballot initiatives highlight the significant role that direct democracy plays in shaping policies on some of the most contentious issues in the nation. Voters in these states have critical decisions ahead that will influence political power, voting rights, public safety, and family matters for years to come.
https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/10/26/6-ballot-measures-watch-november/