Other Ballot Issues
Paul Waldman: ballot measures were "the one bright spot for liberals." CW: These ballot measures also suggest to me that this wasn't a "wave" election in John Cassidy's definition. The vast voting public is remarkably consistent in its views & in its voting patterns.
Arkansas. Voters have approved a raise in the minimum wage (not sure what the $$ figure is).
California. Paige St. John of the Los Angeles Times: "Proposition 47, to reduce sentences for some crimes, passes, AP reports. Penalties for common drug and theft crimes in California will be reduced from potential felonies to misdemeanors, shortening the time some offenders spend behind bars."
Colorado. The "personhood" amendment failed for the third time.
Florida. Medical marijuana gets 57 percent of the vote, but not enough to pass as a constitutional amendment.
Illinois. Voters approved a minimum wage increase, via Greg Sargent.
Minnesota. The Minnesota state house flipped to Republican control, the Star Tribune reports (I can't link the page as the Star Tribune site keeping messing up my computer). Republicans defeated at least 11 DFL (Democratic Farmer Labor party) candidates. The state senate remains in DFL control.
Nebraska voters also approved a hike in the minimum wage.
Oregon. Noelle Crombie of the Oregonian: "Oregon voters said yes to marijuana Tuesday, making the state the third to allow the possession and sale of cannabis for recreational rather than strictly medical use."
Washington State: Jonathan Topaz of Politico: "Voters in Washington state backed universal background checks on firearms purchases, a solid win for gun control advocates like former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Bill Gates. About 60 percent of Washington state voters supported Initiative 594, an initiative to provide universal background checks for gun buyers, including for gun shows and private sales." The Seattle Times story is here.