Voters protect health coverage, strengthen sugary drink policy

DALLAS, Nov. 4, 2026 - Voters on Tuesday protected access to health coverage in South Dakota and strengthened a policy in Berkeley, California, designed to reduce sugary drink consumption and fund community health programs. The results preserve access to care in South Dakota and expand investments in healthier schools and communities in Berkeley.

Leading up to the election, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, encouraged its Heart Powered grassroots advocates to take these actions to remove barriers to health and help build stronger, healthier communities.

The Heart Association issued the following statement in response to the results of these ballot measures:

South Dakota voters protect access to care

"South Dakota voters rejected a proposed constitutional amendment, Amendment I, which would have ended Medicaid expansion if the federal government's share of funding fell below 90%.

"For someone living with heart disease or at risk for stroke, reliable health coverage can mean being able to see a doctor, fill a prescription and get the ongoing care they need. Protecting Medicaid means protecting that connection to care."

Berkeley builds on pioneering sugary drink policy to support community health

"Measure AA builds on Berkeley's groundbreaking sugary drink tax by increasing the tax on sugary drink distributors from 1 cent to 2 cents per ounce, allowing investment in community health programs to better keep pace with rising costs. The measure dedicates 42.5% of revenue to Berkeley Unified School District nutrition and gardening programs, and another 42.5% to community-based nutrition education, health services and improved access to drinking water. The remaining funding, capped at 15%, supports administration, public oversight and annual reporting to help ensure the revenue is used transparently and for its intended purposes.

"Sugary drink taxes can make a difference by both reducing purchases of sugary drinks and generating revenue that communities can use to support better health. In Berkeley, those resources support priorities including school nutrition and gardening programs, nutrition education, health and dental services and access to drinking water.

"More than a decade after becoming the first U.S. city to approve a sugary drink tax, Berkeley continues to show how communities can build on policies designed to improve health. The American Heart Association will continue working with communities across the country to advance evidence-based approaches that make healthier options more accessible to everyone.

"Election Day is one moment in the work to improve health. Lasting change comes from what communities do next. The American Heart Association will continue working with Heart Powered advocates, community organizations and policymakers to protect access to care and make healthy choices more accessible."

Additional Resources:

• Local Heart Association news release: South Dakota voters protect access to healthcare by rejecting Amendment I
• Local Heart Association news release: Berkeley voters choose continued investment in community health with Measure AA

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Shelly Hogan: 214-706-1782; [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org