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Abortion Foes Backed Ballot Measures in 2 Red States. Voters Said No.
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Voters in Kansas and Missouri rejected Republican-backed ballot measures aimed at making it easier to ban abortion, despite these states having legislatures dominated by anti-abortion Republicans.
- In Kansas, voters opposed a proposal to elect Supreme Court justices, while in Missouri, they declined to make constitutional amendments more difficult.
- These outcomes may boost Democrats ahead of upcoming midterm elections as they seek to gain congressional seats and retain key governorships, including in Kansas.
- Historically, voters in Republican-leaning states have supported Democratic positions on ballot measures related to abortion, Medicaid expansion, and minimum wage, even while electing conservative lawmakers.
- Kansas' Supreme Court, with justices appointed by Democratic governors, ruled in 2019 that the state constitution protects abortion rights, countering Republican efforts to restrict the procedure.
