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Article snippet: Some of the most expensive campaigns this fall will be waged between the wealthiest corporations and best-funded interest groups in America, as those groups vie to pass or block ballot initiatives in states across the country. Voters in 38 states will decide whether to approve or reject at least 150 ballot measures this November. Collectively, those measures could match or surpass the $1 billion that supporters and opponents spent on ballot measures in 2016. Some of the measures touch on the most controversial issues dividing American politics: Alabama voters will decide whether to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed on state property; voters in Alabama, Oregon and West Virginia will be asked whether to severely limit abortion rights. But those that will attract the most spending are often seemingly mundane changes to laws voters rarely consider, like housing, energy monopolies and casino gambling. The five most expensive ballot measures being contested this November have already seen a combined $150 million in spending. That spending is driven almost entirely by major corporate or special interest groups like labor unions, two factions that often fight to a stalemate in state legislatures. So they turn to voters, a decision that costs both sides far more — but one that delivers a clear verdict. "This is one area in which [corporations] can have unfettered spending. Campaign finance law says you can't corrupt an initiative," said Thad Kousser, a political ... Link to the full article to read more