Restrictive Abortion Ballot Measures Pass In Louisiana, Fail In Colorado
Louisiana voters agreed to amend the state's constitution to spell out that it offers no protections for a right to an abortion. In Colorado, a proposition that would have banned the procedure after 22 weeks was voted down.
NPR:
Louisiana, Colorado Voters Take Different Stances On Abortion Measures
Should Roe be overturned, the amendment would prevent the state courts from declaring abortion restrictions unconstitutional at the state level.
The state isn't the first to amend its constitution this way -- Alabama and West Virginia did so in 2018, as did Tennessee in 2014. (11/4)
The Advocate:
Voters Approve Abortion Measure, Reject Local Tax Plan In Tallies On Constitutional Amendments
The abortion measure — Amendment 1 — was touted as a way to ensure that, if the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortions is overturned, state residents would clearly be on record opposing the procedure if the issue returns to individual states. The new wording is aimed at making clear that Louisiana opposes abortion and public funding for abortions. It was backed by 62% of voters with about two million votes cast, roughly the same vote total as the other amendments. (Sentell and Ballard, 11/3)
The Colorado Sun:
Colorado Measure To Ban Abortions After 22 Weeks Of Pregnancy Fails
A measure that would ban abortions in Colorado after 22 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, failed Tuesday night. Both supporters and opponents of Proposition 115 had predicted a tight battle over what supporters of the ban call “late-term abortion,” but opponents declared victory about an hour after the polls closed. The measure went down 41% to 59%, according to unofficial returns. The Associated Press called the race at 9:42 p.m. (Brown, 11/3)
