California wealth tax, Missouri abortion repeal headline Nov. 3 ballot measures nationwide

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Voters in 39 states will face at least one ballot question on Nov. 3, and many will weigh multiple measures, according to a University of Virginia Center for Politics tally. Redistricting, election procedures, taxes and transgender policy are among the prominent topics.

California’s Proposition 40 would impose a one-time wealth tax on billionaires. A September poll from Politico and the Jack Citrin Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of California, Berkeley found 45% support and 43% opposition. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat eyeing a 2028 presidential run, opposes the measure. He backs Proposition 42, a competing initiative that would nullify the wealth tax if it passes by a greater margin. Mr. Newsom has proposed a nationwide tax on those worth more than $100 million. The Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West is driving support, saying the tax would restore fairness and fund health programs.

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In Washington state, voters will decide whether to repeal a millionaire’s tax under Initiative 645. Ken Jennings, a Washington native and “Jeopardy!” host, urges voters to reject the repeal. He says in an ad that it would give millionaires and billionaires a $13 billion tax break.

Alaska voters will decide whether to scrap the ranked-choice voting system approved in 2020 and return to partisan primaries, with the top vote-getter winning the general election. President Trump recently criticized ranked-choice voting on social media, calling it corrupt and hoping it is repealed.

Missouri’s Amendment 3 would reverse a measure voters approved two years ago guaranteeing “reproductive freedom,” including abortion. It would prohibit abortion except in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape or incest. Gov. Mike Kehoe and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, both Republicans, support it. Ms. Hanaway told The Washington Times that Missourians have never been offered a “middle ground” and that her side is up against deep-pocketed out-of-state groups.

Nebraskans will decide whether to allow online sports wagering through authorized operators. Proponents say revenue would fund property tax relief. Critics call the relief nominal and warn of lower credit scores, more bankruptcies and higher auto loan delinquencies.

Arizona’s Proposition 319 would require voter approval of traffic photo enforcement systems, which often use automated license plate readers. The campaign reflects growing suspicion of Flock cameras and whether they amount to nonconsensual mass surveillance. AAA Arizona and the Arizona Public Health Association oppose the measure, saying it goes too far because it would cover red-light cameras.

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Some measures are one of a kind. An Alabama proposal would require public schools to broadcast or perform the first stanza of the Star-Spangled Banner weekly. Sponsor Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican, says it would bolster national unity. Colorado’s Amendment 85 would require ballot questions to be written at an eighth-grade reading level.

Read more: What’s on the Nov. 3 ballot? Voters in 39 states to weigh in on wealth taxes, abortion and more

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