A striking scene unfolded on Thursday, July 20, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Two signs clashed in the air, as one asked Ohioans to vote in support of Issue 1 while the other advocated against abortion rights. This event was hosted by Created Equal, attracting significant attention and highlighting the controversial nature of the upcoming ballot initiative.
The people of Ohio are currently engaged in a crucial vote on a ballot initiative that aims to change the process for amending the state constitution. Known as Issue 1, the Republican-backed proposal would raise the minimum threshold of votes needed to amend the constitution through popular referendum. Instead of a simple majority, it would require 60% of ballots cast.
The interest surrounding this special election has been unprecedented, with an unexpectedly high early voter turnout. As of Sunday, nearly 700,000 Ohioans have already cast their ballots, more than double the early voting tally of previous high-profile primary elections in 2018 and 2022.
In addition to Issue 1, Ohio voters will participate in another crucial election in November. They will have the opportunity to cast their votes on an amendment that would protect abortion rights and prevent state interference in women’s reproductive decisions. This amendment would also establish access to contraception, fertility treatment, and miscarriage care as constitutional rights.
A recent poll conducted by USA Today and Suffolk University in July found that 58% of Ohioans support the amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. While this falls just short of the 60% threshold required by Issue 1, the poll demonstrates the significant public sentiment surrounding this issue.
Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, a coalition consisting of the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood’s state advocacy organization, and other pro-reproductive rights groups, is determined to overturn the state’s six-week abortion ban and safeguard reproductive rights in Ohio. The coalition filed an amendment in February, which received approval to collect signatures in March.
Republicans in the state legislature responded to this by raising the minimum threshold required to pass constitutional changes, resulting in Issue 1. While the Ohio General Assembly approved Issue 1 in May and established the election date of August 8, the effort faced opposition from every Democrat in the legislature and five Republicans in the state House. This divisive issue has prompted increased activism and referendum campaigns across the country following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Richard Uihlein, CEO of Uline, has been a major donor to the main political action committee campaigning for Issue 1. His contributions total $4 million as of July. Reproductive rights groups including NARAL Pro-Choice have criticized the attempt to raise the threshold, accusing it of being a power play to prevent Ohio voters from enshrining abortion rights in the state.
Additionally, the 60% threshold established by Issue 1 could impact future efforts to raise Ohio’s minimum wage. An upcoming referendum in November 2024 aims to raise the minimum wage to $15, which may face greater obstacles if Issue 1 passes.
The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for reproductive rights and democratic processes in Ohio. The high early voter turnout indicates the intense voter interest in these critical issues and the urgency felt by Ohioans across the state.
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