Ballot Measures Won in 2024, Even When Candidates Didn't

2024 wasn’t the easiest year for Democratic candidates. But when it came to protecting reproductive freedom, voters showed up and delivered decisive wins, regardless of party lines. Of the 10 states that had abortion on the ballot, seven passed measures to enshrine or expand access to reproductive rights.

In states like Nevada, Arizona, and Missouri, where Democratic candidates faced electoral hurdles, voters still turned out to support abortion rights. It’s no secret that reproductive freedom is broadly popular across the political spectrum. However, that doesn’t mean these measures sailed through without a fight. Each successful campaign relied on nuanced strategy, precise messaging, and relentless voter outreach.

Stones’ Phones has been a fierce advocate for reproductive rights for decades. In 2024, we partnered with campaigns across the country to power ballot measure victories that will have long-lasting impacts. Here’s how phones helped get it done:

Question 6 Nevada

When Nevadans for Reproductive Freedom (NRF) launched their campaign to pass Question 6, they needed to raise not only awareness, but also to drive voters to the polls. NRF partnered with Stones’ Phones to develop a high-impact outreach program using Live Calls and Text Messaging to connect with hundreds of thousands of Nevadans.

We started with a two-question Live ID Call to nearly 300,000 voters, opening with persuasive messaging about protecting private medical decisions from political interference. Then we asked: “Will you vote YES on Question 6?” For voters who said yes, we followed up with a crucial next step: “How do you plan to vote—by mail, early in person, or on Election Day?”

Based on their responses, we delivered tailored voting information: how to return a mail ballot, early voting locations and hours, and Election Day polling places.

Ahead of the early vote deadline, we sent two rounds of text reminders to those who planned to vote early in person. These texts featured proven social pressure messaging like, “Our records show you haven’t voted yet.” Voters who replied received a personalized text with a link to their early voting site.

Then, on the eve of Election Day, NRF launched a final texting push by reaching out to supporters who hadn’t yet cast a ballot. These bilingual messages ensured that both Spanish and English-speaking voters alike had what they needed to make their voices heard.

All of these components came together to form a dynamic campaign that educated, mobilized, and empowered voters at every step. Our Live Calls went beyond persuasion to help voters create a plan to vote, and then followed up with consistent reminders to ensure follow-through. NRF reached hundreds of thousands of voters and kept them engaged through multiple touchpoints. This approach played a key role in the historic passage of Question 6, securing abortion access for all Nevadans.

Amendment 3 Missouri

Missourians for Constitutional Freedom ran a moving TV ad featuring Erika, a mother who faced cruel, medically unnecessary barriers during a pregnancy with a fatal fetal anomaly. Her story was raw, powerful, and, unfortunately, easy for voters who weren’t watching TV to miss.

Traditionally, most political ads have been viewed on television, but that tide is turning. A study by Cross Screen Media found that as many as 17% of voters don’t watch any form of television. This means that a significant portion of voters will miss impactful TV ads like this one.  

Luckily, Stones’ Phones helped Erika’s voice cut through the noise and reach voters directly where they were: on their phones.

We delivered the ad via text message to nearly 850,000 voters, urging them to support Amendment 3. The response was overwhelming. Thousands of replies poured in from concerned Missourians. And when the ballots were counted, Amendment 3 passed by nearly 100,000 votes.

The GOP has made it clear that they won’t stop trying to roll back reproductive freedom. They've thrown settled law back to the states, and now every state is a battleground. That means ballot initiatives are one of our best tools for protecting abortion access. These initiatives need smart, strategic campaigns to succeed.

Phones aren’t just part of the plan. They can be the difference between winning and losing. Whether it’s elevating personal stories, building voter plans, or keeping supporters engaged all the way through Election Day, Stones’ Phones delivers outreach that moves the needle.

Let’s protect reproductive rights, one state at a time. Contact us today to map out your ballot initiative’s path to victory.