Nebraska voters will weigh two different abortion-related constitutional amendments this fall, with the secretary of state confirming both measures will appear on the ballot Friday.
“Barring any legal challenges, this November’s general election ballot will host two directly conflicting election measures, which could be the first time in Nebraska history,” Secretary of State Bob Evnen said in a statement.
one proposed amendmentKnown as Protect Abortion Rights, it would amend the state constitution to state that “all persons have the fundamental right to obtain an abortion before the fetus is viable or when necessary to preserve the life or health of the pregnant patient.”
Another proposed amendment, called “Protect Women and Children,” would ban second- and third-trimester abortions except in medical emergencies or when the pregnancy is the result of sexual assault or consanguinity.
Currently, Nebraska law prohibits abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, except for rape, consanguinity, and to save the life of the mother.
In order for a ballot measure to pass in Nebraska, it must receive a majority of the votes cast and at least 35% of the total votes cast in its favor in the election. If both amendments pass, the one with the most votes prevails.
Nebraska, the US Supreme Court in 2022 Roe v. It is the tenth state this year to approve a ballot measure designed to protect or expand abortion rights, as part of an ongoing effort by reproductive rights advocates after overturning Wade.
Democrats hope the ballot measures will help boost turnout during a critical presidential election.
While Nebraska is not competitive statewide, it awards the Electoral College vote to the candidate who wins each of its two congressional districts, so both parties are targeting Nebraska’s 2nd District in Omaha. The district is also key to a battle for control of the narrowly divided House, with GOP Rep. Don Bacon challenging incumbent Joe Biden for re-election in 2020.