Abortion rights have long been ballot winners — but post-Roe, even more so

Since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, abortion rights have been a major ballot-box issue. Support for abortion rights has been gaining traction since then — a trend that has only increased in the post-Roe era. Since the 2016 election, ballot initiatives seeking to protect and expand access to abortion have been passed in a number of states, including Oregon, Washington, Colorado and New York, as well as the District of Columbia. This trend reflects a growing public support for abortion rights, with polls showing a majority of Americans supporting Roe v. Wade. As a result, candidates and initiatives that prioritize the protection and expansion of abortion rights have become increasingly popular in elections.