Voting Rules, Redistricting, and Election Power on State Ballots

Over a third of state ballot measures this year focus on democracy issues like voting rights and redistricting.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A cinematic painting of a lone voting booth in a dimly lit, empty polling place, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the high-stakes battles over voting rights and election processes.The quiet, solitary atmosphere of a polling place reflects the high-stakes battles over voting rules and election power playing out across the country.Austin Today

More than a third of state ballot measures that voters will be asked to consider this year relate to democracy, with questions on voting rights, election processes, redistricting and similar issues. Citizen-led ballot initiatives around progressive causes have led to efforts by conservative legislators in some states to impose more obstacles to these initiatives. This year, a larger share of ballot measures have been referred by state legislators, a shift from 2024 when a wave of citizen-led initiatives dominated the November ballot.

Why it matters

The upcoming ballot measures on voting rules, redistricting, and election processes will have significant implications for the balance of political power in many states and at the federal level. The results could affect issues like voter access, congressional representation, and the integrity of future elections.

The details

The ballot measures cover a range of democracy-related issues, from voting ID requirements to redistricting processes. For example, Virginia voters will decide on a proposal to temporarily allow the state to redraw its congressional districts, which could create four Democrat-leaning districts. In Missouri, a citizen-led referendum challenges the state's recently gerrymandered congressional map, which was passed by the Republican-majority legislature at the urging of former President Trump.

  • Virginia voters will consider the redistricting proposal next week, with early voting already underway.
  • The Missouri referendum is aiming to get on the November 2026 ballot, with supporters saying they have enough signatures.

The players

Quentin Savwoir

Director of programs and strategy at the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, a progressive policy organization that tracks ballot initiatives.

The Fairness Project

A nonprofit that advocates for increased use of ballot measures.

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo

Executive director at the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center.

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What they’re saying

“It's the redistricting fights that are really getting heated after the Trump administration began pressuring Republican-led states to shore up the GOP majority in Congress in preparation for the midterm election.”

— Quentin Savwoir, Director of programs and strategy

“People might be having to run 'yes' or 'no' campaigns at the same time. So voter education is going to be incredibly important.”

— Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive director

What’s next

The Virginia redistricting referendum and the Missouri gerrymandering referendum will be key to watch in the coming months as voters head to the polls. The outcomes could have significant implications for the balance of power in Congress.

The takeaway

This year's slate of ballot measures on voting rules, redistricting, and election processes highlights the ongoing battles over the future of American democracy. The results could shape the political landscape for years to come, underscoring the importance of voter education and engagement on these critical issues.