Organizers in Arizona and Nebraska announced on Wednesday that they have submitted a significant number of signatures exceeding the required amount to place abortion rights ballot measures before voters in the upcoming November election.
Nebraska may have two competing questions on the ballot – one, similar to the Arizona proposal, would add a right to abortion to the state constitution, while the other would uphold Nebraska’s existing ban on most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The verification of signatures by election officials will determine whether these measures are added to the ballots in both states.
Following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, Democrats have prioritized abortion rights in this year’s elections. In Arkansas, activists are racing to meet the Friday deadline to qualify for the ballot there.
Abortion rights will also be on the ballot in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, and South Dakota this year. New York advocates have a measure to protect abortion access as well.
Related story: Citizens in half of states can’t force ballot measures on abortion
Arizona organizers reported submitting 823,685 signatures, well above the required 383,923 from registered voters. Verification of these signatures by county election officials is ongoing, with results expected by August 22.
Arizona currently has a 15-week abortion ban. The proposed amendment would permit abortions until around 24 weeks, with exceptions to protect the mother’s life or health. It aims to prevent the state from enforcing any law that restricts access to abortion.
Supporters claim the amendment is necessary to safeguard abortion rights, while opponents argue it could lead to unregulated abortions in the state.
Arizona for Abortion Access, a coalition including the ACLU of Arizona and Planned Parenthood, submitted 300 boxes of signed petitions to the Secretary of State’s office, which has increased security measures.
Nebraska organizers, Protect Our Rights, submitted 207,000 signatures to enshrine abortion rights, while SBA Pro-Life America submitted over 205,000 signatures for a competing petition effort. Both groups surpassed the required 123,000 signatures.
A third measure seeking to ban abortion by deeming embryos as people is unlikely to make the ballot. Supporters of an Arkansas proposal to amend the state’s abortion ban must submit petitions by Friday for the November ballot.
