Arizona and Montana Place Abortion Rights Measures on November Ballots
Abortion Rights Constitutional Measures Proposed in Arizona and Montana
Proposals to enshrine abortion rights in the constitutions of Arizona and Montana have made it to the ballots of both states coming November. This weighty move could potentially sway the outcome of the presidential and congressional races in both areas.
On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court effectively cleared the path forward for the ballot measure, with a ruling that deemed the summary used to gather signatures for the proposal as valid. Likewise, on the same day, the Secretary of Stateโs Office in Montana certified that sufficient signatures were obtained by abortion rights advocates to put their measure on the ballot.
Arizona and Montanaโs measures join the same cause as six other states where abortion rights measures are going to be on their ballots this November. Seen as a key swing state in the impending 2024 presidential election, these measures could be significant in Arizona.
The Impact on the Presidential and Congressional Races
In the last presidential election, President Joe Bidenโs hairโs breadth victory in Arizona over then-President Donald Trump was instrumental in securing the formerโs triumph in the Electoral College. Similarly, Montanaโs incumbent three-term Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat, is currently facing off against the Republican nominee Tim Sheehy, an ex-Navy SEAL. If Sheehy manages to dethrone Tester, it could pave the way for Republicans to gain majority control in the Senate.
The Overturn of Roe v. Wade
In stark events of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed its decades-old ruling in Roe v. Wade, which safeguarded a federal constitutional right to an abortion. This bold decision, championed by three justices nominated by Republican Donald Trump, paved the way for individual states to establish their own restrictions for abortion access.
However, this decision was criticized for damaging the chances of Republican congressional contestants in 2022. Astonishingly, in seven other states where abortion rights were put on the ballots, these measures converted into law, a surprising turn of events even in states considered to be conservative.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
