Lawmakers voted last year to restrict most August special elections because of the cost and low turnout, but that was then, the hypocrites have since changed their minds.
The Issue 1 requirements are ultimately a proxy fight over abortion rights. Ohio Republicans pushed for the special election to pass Issue 1 in anticipation of a liberal-backed referendum, due to appear on the ballot in November, that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
Ohio Republicans are betting that if a 60% majority is required to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution, abortion rights advocates are less likely to succeed. And indeed, a late July poll found that 58% of Ohioans supported passing the amendment to protect abortion rights — a clear majority, but one that falls below 60%.
As for Issue 1 itself, the latest public poll shows a neck-and-neck race, with a slight edge for the “yes” side and a sizable share of voters who remain undecided.
Ohio Sec. of State LaRose admits move to make constitution harder to amend is ‘100% about… abortion’
COLUMBUS, Ohio — After months of denial, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose admitted that the proposal to make the constitution harder to amend is “100%” due to efforts to legalize abortion.
Nearly 700,000 Ohioans cast a ballot early either by showing up in person or returning an absentee ballot. Those figures will likely climb further as additional ballots arrive in the mail.
According to a press release there are roughly 7.9 million registered voters in the state. The early vote alone puts statewide turnout at 8.77%. That’s more than the statewide turnout in the entire election last August which included statehouse primary races.
The text of Issue 1 may be read here.
