Why abortion won’t be on Texas ballot? Understanding the reasons!

Abortion won’t be on Texas ballot: In November, abortion access itself will not appear on the Texas ballot. Why it matters: Texas remains a deeply red state, and although Democrats view abortion rights as a winning issue, they may not be able to put on the ballot in November the kind of referendum that could galvanize voters, especially suburban voters, toward them.

The Legislature must approve Texas Constitution amendments by a two-thirds majority in each body before placing them on the ballot.

In addition, the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature, which has weakened abortion access in recent years, was not about to propose such a question to voters during last year’s legislative sessions.

In Kansas, the state’s Democratic-controlled Supreme Court recognized the right to abortion, prompting the Republican-controlled Legislature to seek a voter veto of the decision in 2022.

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• After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 1973, progressives hoped that voters would protect that right.

Additionally, Democrats have won abortion-related elections in red and swing states such as Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio.

• Democracies are working to place an abortion rights amendment on the November ballot to support Sen. Jon Tester’s reelection.
• Additionally, progressives are organizing to put abortion rights measures on the ballot in Arizona and Florida.

The Republicans also had a long winning streak on abortion, culminating in the 2022 decision to end federal protections.

• State law prohibits abortion except in narrow circumstances, such as when the mother’s safety is threatened, even though the 251-page constitution does not mention abortion.
• An abortion in Texas is now a felony punishable by up to life imprisonment under a law enacted after the 2022 decision.

Republicans could use abortion as a political tool but lack political leverage, according to Jim Henson and Joshua Blank.

Only 13% of Republicans support banning abortions, according to a University of Texas study from last year.

• A ban is supported by 2%, 2%, and 3% of Democrats polled in these situations, respectively.
• The last legislative session resulted in an approval rating of 38% among Texans.

A speech about “Trust women and their doctors.” cost Beto O’Rourke 11 points in 2022.

During the general election campaign, we will be watching how many Democratic candidates invoke Kate Cox’s case.

• Texan authorities denied Cox permission for an emergency abortion after diagnosing her fetus with a fatal disease. She sought an abortion outside the state.

There is intrigue regarding the Cox case because Texas’ GOP senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Republican candidates will continue to emphasize immigration and border issues, which remain motivating issues for their voters.

Voters in Texas have not supported abortion rights.