In-person voting for an election in Ohio has begun to determine whether it should become more challenging to amend the state’s constitution. The outcome of this election could have immediate implications for an abortion rights amendment under consideration.
The proposed Issue 1 aims to increase the threshold for passing future constitutional changes from a simple majority to a 60% supermajority. Advocates of the measure, represented by the Protect Our Constitution coalition, argue that the higher percentage will prevent well-funded interest groups from pushing unpopular policies, such as abortion, gun control, minimum wage, and farm regulations, onto Ohioans.
Opposing the measure is the campaign group One Person One Vote, who claim that the rushed effort during an off-year election is intended to prevent the passage of policies aligned with the preferences of the majority of Ohioans. They argue that this is a tactic by the increasingly conservative GOP supermajority at the Statehouse.
Amendments protecting access to abortion have been successfully passed in several states, including conservative ones, since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision was overturned last summer. However, these amendments typically received less than 60% of the vote. Critics argue that the rushed inclusion of the constitutional amendment issue on an off-year, summer ballot could mean that a small percentage of Ohio voters will ultimately decide the matter’s fate. Initial turnout for the election on August 8th has been reported as steady to robust.
Furthermore, this high-stakes election is taking place under the umbrella of sweeping election law changes implemented in January. Some of these changes impact voter registration requirements. Eligible Ohioans using a paper form to register or update their registration now need to provide additional identification for the first time. The options include an Ohio driver’s license, ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Additionally, these individuals must use a paper form that conforms to the one developed by Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
The language appearing on voters’ August ballots has faced litigation, with the Ohio Supreme Court ordering minor tweaks but ultimately retaining a description of the amendment as elevating the standards for qualifying and passing future constitutional amendments in the state. Critics argued that the term carries a positive connotation that may bias voters in favor of a yes vote, but the justices determined that it is essentially synonymous with raising or increasing.
There was also a lawsuit challenging the election date, as it allegedly violated a law passed last year that eliminated most August elections. Those supporting the law, including Secretary of State Frank LaRose, stated that such elections are costly, burden county election boards with additional work, and typically result in low turnout rates.
