9 Positive Outcomes of Election Night
As the November 8 election results shocked the world following the victory of Donald Trump, many smaller victories for American citizens have been overshadowed.
1. The Legalization of Marijuana
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Voters in California, Massachusetts and Nevada voted in favor of the legalization of marijuana. In these states, citizens aged 21 and older are allowed possession of up to one ounce of maryjane and the right to grow up to six plants. Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota have also legalized the use of medical marijuana.
2. Ilhan Omar Makes History
Image Credit: Star Tribune/David Joles
Somali-American Muslim, Ilhan Omar, makes history from the state of Minnesota. She was elected into the House of Representatives and will be the first Somali-American Muslim to serve her state on the House floor.
3. California Elects First Black Senator in Decades
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The 32nd Californian Attorney General, Kamala Harris, makes history as the first black woman to be elected into the US Senate in over two decades and is only the second black female to be elected into the United States Senate. She has fought diligently to preserve California’s natural resources, ensure marriage equality for all Californians, and to defend the Affordable Care Act as Attorney General.
4. First Latina is Elected to Serve in US Senate
Image Credit: Cathrine Cortez Masto for Senator
Nevada has elected the first Latina to serve as US Senator. Catherine Cortez Masto is a democrat who has been elected to replace Henry Reid as he retires. Masto comes well prepared as she served as Nevada's Attorney General from 2007-2015.
5. Illinois Elects First Thai-American Senator
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Tammy Duckworth is Illinois' first Thai-American senator, the United States' second Asian-American senator, and the first female senator to have served in any Army combat role. She has been elected to a seat once held by Barack Obama. Duckworth makes history as the second woman elected as Illinois Senator and has an honorable reputation as an Iraq war veteran.
6. North Carolina's Transphobic Governor is Gone
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Previous North Carolina Governor, Pat McCory lost the governor race to Ryan Cooper. Pat McCrory has a bad reputation thanks to pushing the HB2 Law requiring citizens of North Carolina who identify as transgender to use the bathroom which represents their born identity, not their current identity.
7. Many States Increase Minimum Wage
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Arizona, Colorado, Maine, and Washington have all agreed to increase the minimum wage. In Maine, increase will take effect by 2020, going from $7.50 to $12. As for Colorado the $8.31 minimum wage will increase to $12 by 2020.
8. Massachusetts Votes to Uphold Animal Rights
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A measure was taken by the state of Massachusetts to enforce a ban on selling products from calves, pigs and hens which are not provided with proper confinement standards. By 2022, farmers will no longer have the right to force animals to lay down, stand up, fully extend limbs, or turn around. The idea behind this law is to allow animals to act and be treated in a respectful and natural manner.
9. Kate Brown is America's First Openly LGBTQ Elected Governor
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Brown took over as governor in the state of Oregon in 2012 after the previous governor resigned after a scandal and has just been elected into the same position. Her win speaks for itself in terms of the progression of the acceptance of LGBTQ community members to be elected and respected in politics.
