Voters in six states moved toward marijuana legalization at the ballot box Tuesday night while several more tightened their gun laws. David Crary writes:
California, Nevada and Massachusetts approved measures legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, while Florida, Arkansas and North Dakota voted to allow pot for medical purposes. A recreational pot proposal lost in Arizona. The outcome of another in Maine was too close to call.
Gun control was on the ballot in four states, including California, which already has some of the nation's toughest gun-related laws. Voters there approved a measure that will outlaw possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, require permits to buy ammunition and extend California's unique program that allows authorities to seize firearms from owners who bought guns legally but are no longer allowed to own them.
Washington state approved a ballot measure that will allow judges to issue orders temporarily seizing guns from individuals who are deemed a threat.
Nevada also approved requiring background checks on nearly all gun purchases, while a similar measure in Maine was too close to call.
Higher minimum wage requirements were also adopted in several states, including $12 an hour by 2020 in Arizona, Colorado and Maine and $13.50 an hour by 2020 in Washington state.