Across the nation, citizens make choices on state ballot initiatives.

Several blue states enacted stricter crime laws despite many states considering abortion and immigration legislation.

"Has anyone ever heard of the rule that allows you to rob a store as long as it's not more than $950?" President-elect Donald Trump said at a press conference in Bedminster, New Jersey, in August. "These thieves are going into stores with calculators, calculating how much it is."

Proposition 36 has made shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders in California, despite convicted shoplifters previously facing charges.

Shoplifting incidents in California increased by 27.5% between 2018 and 2023, while fentanyl overdose deaths rose by more than 770% during the same time period. Proposition 36 aims to address drug addiction in California by increasing penalties for some drug charges, including fentanyl.

Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, stated that Prop 36 is a balanced approach to reducing crime and keeping communities safe by holding repeat retail thieves and drug traffickers to minors more accountable.

The changes in the new measure were a result of an initiative passed in 2014, which reduced some drug offenses and thefts under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors.

At a rally against Proposition 36, a speaker stated, "Although we're all here to oppose Prop 36, some of us are here to strongly oppose it."

Although the initiative received broad approval, opponents argue that it will disproportionately incarcerate low-income individuals and those struggling with addiction.

Another speaker opposed the initiative, stating that this is not the time to revert to our ineffective and absurd policy of imprisonment.

Colorado voters supported several crime initiatives, despite a rise in violent crime across the country, including in Colorado, with a 23.8% increase from 2019.

President-elect Trump stated at an Aurora rally that he would make Colorado safe again by focusing on addressing suspected Tren de Aragua crime in the area.

The initiative to eliminate bail for first-degree murder was approved by voters, while another law mandates that criminals convicted of violent offenses must serve a longer sentence before being eligible for parole.

Additionally, voters approved funds for police officer recruitment, retention, and training as well as a separate fund to aid crime victims.

During an August hearing on a property tax bill, Colorado state Rep. Ken DeGraaf stated that places like Denver have given away or diverted $9 million out of law enforcement. The reason for this, he explained, is that we need to take care of the euphemistically named newcomers. According to DeGraaf, we have a spending problem and a prioritization problem. As a result, crime is increasing due to our policies.

Colorado voters rejected a proposal to ban hunting of wild cats such as Mountain Lions, Bobcats, and Lynx. While most states permit hunting of Bobcats and Mountain Lions, Lynx are already protected under federal law. California has enacted a state ban on sport hunting Mountain Lions. Florida's panthers are classified as endangered under federal law.

Florida voters approved a measure that adds language to the state constitution, providing a right to hunt and fish. Proponents argue that this change protects against attempts to take away these rights, while opponents contend that it is unnecessary legal language.

Despite the recent surge in popularity of the first official flag of Maine, which features a pine tree and star, voters opted to retain the blue state seal as their official flag.

In addition to the expansion of public Wi-Fi access in Miami-Dade county, voters in Malheur County, Oregon, voted against repealing a law that would have ended discussions over shifting the Idaho-Oregon border. Additionally, voters in Illinois decided on state boundaries. Seven counties in the state also voted in favor of exploring the possibility of seceding from the state due to differences with Cook County, which holds Chicago.