2026 Ballot Measure Results Underscore Power of Direct Democracy
WASHINGTON — The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC), which works to protect and strengthen the citizen-led ballot initiative process nationwide and improve the material conditions of people’s lives, is tracking the outcomes of major ballot measure fights in the 2026 midterm elections. From voters rejecting gerrymandering efforts that would disenfranchise certain communities in Missouri to codifying protections for reproductive rights in Nevada and Virginia, the results have delivered important victories for voters while signaling the important groundwork that’s still needed nationwide.
BISC is tracking state-by-state results through its Election Results Tracker, with several key takeaways emerging as results are rolling in:
- Abortion rights continued to outperform. Perhaps one of the biggest storylines from last night is that voters delivered important wins on reproductive rights in states like Nevada and Virginia, where abortion protections were codified, and Missouri, where voters rejected attempts to roll back protections they already passed in 2024.
- Big Money lost big in 2026. Echoing top-of-the ticket fallout, several high-profile ballot fights also show this trend continuing down-ballot. Slim margins on anti-trans ballot measures despite $400 million in attack ads reveal that strong grassroots organizing can go toe-to-toe with deep-pocketed political spending.
- Mixed results on tax revenue measures. Tax measures were a big story this election and the mixed results produced an interesting paradox that reflects BISC’s research findings: Voters wrestled with the tension of wanting to pay fewer taxes like we saw in states like North Carolina and Florida, while also supporting tax-funded public services like schools, healthcare, and access to food assistance in states like California and Colorado.
- Virginia secured a trifecta of progressive wins. Virginia voters passing reproductive rights, marriage equality and returning citizens’ right to vote is a preview of how one state’s grassroots network came together to expand freedoms and democratic inclusion.
- Pushback on anti-trans measures Voters in Missouri decisively rejected an amendment that would have written an attack on transgender youth and their families into the state’s constitution. Voters in Washington State are poised to reject the forced outing of LGBTQIA+ youth. In Arizona and Nebraska, voters approved measures restricting transgender students’ participation in sports and, in Arizona, access to school facilities including restrooms and locker rooms. Two Colorado measures restricting transgender students’ sports participation and certain medical procedures for minors have not yet been called. A second Washington State measure passed that relies on invasive exams or tests to enforces restrictions on transgender girls’ participation in school sports. These narrow losses underscore the value of power-building as well as the need for continued groundwork in states where opposition campaigns continue relying on division to drive a part of the electorate. It underscores that the work of BISC and of our trans-rights partners is far from over.
- Desire to end corruption was a big driving factor for how people voted. We saw this across the country, from voters in Missouri pushing back on attempts to override measures they already passed to voters in Michigan and Montana getting big money out of politics.
- Redistricting became a proxy fight over national politics. Gerrymandering attempts backfired and ballot measures became another front in the broader fight over House control and electoral rules. Missouri’s voters rejected Proposition A, and the new, redrawn congressional maps that diluted citizen power for partisan gain.
Beyond individual wins and losses, this year’s results reveal broader shifts in how voters are engaging with direct democracy, responding to political power grabs, and weighing the rights and resources that shape their communities.
Statements from BISC’s executive director and coalition partners:
“These results show what is possible when communities come together to organize and how much work remains to ensure our democracy works for everyone,” said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director at BISC. “We saw voters push back against attempts to manipulate our democratic process and affirm reproductive rights in key states, but the passage of anti-trans measures and proof-of-citizenship requirements is a reminder that our work to protect the rights and representation of the most vulnerable communities is far from over.”
“Never again will our reproductive rights be a political football in Virginia,” said Han Jones, Campaign Manager with the YES on 1 campaign. “Virginians can feel proud that we are the first state in the south with constitutional protections for our reproductive freedoms. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated, spoke out, and voted to support this amendment. Because of you, Virginians’ rights are secured for generations to come.”
“This work we’ve done has always been about more than one election,” said Katy Erker-Lynch, Executive Director at PROMO, one of the leading organizations to defeat Missouri’s Amendment 3. “It’s about having the freedom to make decisions about our healthcare, our families, and our own lives. It’s about being able to afford to live in our communities and knowing we can look out for one another when things get difficult. As we prepare for the next legislative session, we’re carrying the relationships, trust, and organizing power we’ve built into what comes next.”
“Achieving this victory would not have been possible without the amazing sacrifices of thousands of Missourians,” said Richard von Glahn, Campaign Director at People Not Politicians MO. “You spent your weekends gathering signatures; you spent your treasure fighting lawsuits; and you spent your weekends and your evenings canvassing this fall. All of this energy and effort culminated in more people power than corrupt politicians could handle — just the way it should be in a democracy. Missouri is truly a model of what organizing can accomplish.”
“Trans Coloradans told their stories and led the way,” said Trish Hyde, Campaign Manager at Families, Not Politics CO. “Whatever the final count, you changed this race. Transgender kids deserve to grow up feeling valued, safe, and free. We will keep showing up, organizing, and fighting until Colorado is a place where every young person is treated with dignity and given the chance to shine.”
BISC will continue tracking results from the election and state-by-state ballot measure developments through its 2026 Election Results Tracker.