Ohio voters have rejected changes to the ballot process, which is seen as a victory for abortion rights. This decision has significant implications for the upcoming abortion rights measure in the fall.
An American flag waves next to a sign directing Ohioans to vote inside Tharp Sixth Grade School on Aug. 8, 2023, in Hilliard, Ohio. | Samantha Hendrickson/AP PhotoIn yet another major rebuke of Republicans over abortion rights, voters in Ohio on Tuesday handily turned down a GOP-led effort to make it more difficult to amend the state’s Constitution., when the Associated Press called the election with 36 percent of the vote in.
The measure would have raised the threshold to pass a constitutional amendment from a simple majority to 60 percent, as well as make it more complicated to get citizen-initiated ballot measures before voters in the first place. Both sides of the issue drewduring the lead-up to what was expected to be an under-the-radar, off-year summer special election.
“Voters saw Issue 1 for what it was: a deceptive power grab designed to silence their voices and diminish their voting power,” Dennis Willard, spokesperson One Person One Vote, the main group opposing Issue 1, said in a statement. “We defeated Issue 1 because an enormous coalition that spans ideological divides came together to defend democracy.”
More than 600,000 people voted early on the issue, far outpacing past August elections in the Buckeye State, which had historically low turnout. The push to raise the threshold, initiated by the GOP-controlled state legislature, came as abortion-rights activists campaigned in support of a separate November initiative that would enshrine abortion rights in the state’s Constitution.
With the November vote on the horizon, the election became a proxy war over abortion rights — although proponents of Issue 1 insisted that it’s not just about abortion, but rather protecting the state Constitution from special interests.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
The Hard-Right, Anti-Abortion “Box Billionaires” Behind Ohio’s Special ElectionThe Uihleins have spent millions of dollars to overturn a democratic process in the state. Recipients of the Uihlein largesse include Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, former Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker, Alabama House Rep. Mo Brooks, and Ohio House Rep. Jim Jordan.
Lire la suite »
KJ Bolden: Florida State commitment leaves Ohio State in limbo as recruiting quagmire deepensAfter another late recruiting loss for a top target, Ohio State is trying to thread a difficult recruiting needle.
Lire la suite »
What Ohio amendments wouldn’t have passed with a 60% threshold?Ohio’s Constitution, which received 53% of the vote, dates back to 1851 — making it the ninth oldest constitution. Here's a look at which amendments wouldn't have passed if they required the 60% approval that Issue 1 proposes.
Lire la suite »
Highest-rated free things to do in Ohio, according to TripadvisorFrom stunning parks to historic sites, there's something for budget-friendly to do for everyone in Ohio.
Lire la suite »