Recreational Marijuana on the Ballot. Does It Help or Hurt Democrats?

Eleven states have legalized recreational marijuana and three more – Arizona, Montana and South Dakota – have it on this year’s ballot. David Sherfinski of the Washington Times reviews the argument made by proponents of legalization that it helps Democrats on the ballot, including this year, Joe Biden.

I stated that ballot initiative advocates always argue that initiatives effect turnout. In a presidential race, the evidence for it is thin.

“All of those advocates, some are conservative, some are liberal, argue it’ll help,” Mr. Ciruli said. “Whether it does or not, I haven’t seen a lot of evidence. My sense is, generally, that a presidential race dominates what people talk about.”

A marijuana dispensary in Denver | Scott Lentz