In a historic move, Nebraska will become the first state to have competing abortion measures on the same ballot since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The Nebraska Secretary of State, Bob Evnen, confirmed on Friday that two rival initiatives, one seeking to expand abortion rights and the other aiming to maintain the current 12-week ban, have obtained enough signatures to be included in the November ballot.

Nebraska joins several other states, including swing states like Arizona and Nevada, where abortion measures are expected to drive higher voter turnout. In total, nine states - Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, South Dakota, New York, Nebraska, and North Carolina - will have abortion-related measures on their respective November ballots.

The two initiatives in Nebraska have garnered significant support, with both campaigns submitting well above the required number of signatures. One initiative seeks to enshrine in the state constitution the right to have an abortion until viability or later, with a focus on protecting the health of the pregnant woman. Supporters of this measure have submitted more than 207,000 signatures.

On the other hand, the second initiative aims to solidify the existing 12-week ban into the state constitution, including exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the pregnant woman is at risk. Organizers of this measure have submitted more than 205,000 signatures.

Secretary of State Evnen's office has validated over 136,000 signatures for both initiatives. While it is possible that both measures are approved by voters, only the one that receives the most "for" votes will be adopted, according to Evnen.

If both initiatives are passed, the responsibility of determining any potential conflicts will fall on Governor Jim Pillen. Governor Pillen's office has not commented on whether the measure with the most votes will be enshrined in the state constitution, but emphasized the Governor's expectation that the pro-life initiative will prevail.

The outcome of these abortion measures in Nebraska could have implications beyond the state level. In the Omaha-centered 2nd Congressional District, the voter turnout driven by these measures could influence both the U.S. House and presidential races. Nebraska is one of two states that split their electoral votes, and the competitive nature of the Omaha district could provide an opportunity for Vice President Kamala Harris to secure the district's lone electoral vote.

As the November election approaches, these competing abortion measures are expected to contribute to the ongoing debate over abortion rights across the country. Public opinion polls, including a recent Associated Press-NORC survey, have shown growing support for abortion rights, with a majority of Americans in favor of allowing legal access to abortion if someone does not wish to be pregnant for any reason.

Abortion bans at various stages of pregnancy have been implemented in most Republican-controlled states since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. However, in the seven ballot questions on abortion that have been put before voters since 2022, abortion rights supporters have consistently prevailed.

With the spotlight now on Nebraska, voters will have the opportunity to shape the state's stance on abortion and contribute to a nationwide conversation on reproductive rights.