Staff Reports
In Ohio, a ballot question on August 8, 2023 will determine the ease of amending the state constitution in the future. Protect Women Ohio (PWO) is spending $5.5 million on ads, with $4.5 million going towards statewide TV ads and $1 million for radio and digital ads. PWO’s ads are urging Ohioans to vote “yes” on Issue 1 in order to protect the state’s constitution. The organization argues for a higher threshold and highlights the importance of parental rights. They use Cincinnati mother and doctor Vivina Napier in one TV spot and Columbus mother April Hunter in another. Both ads emphasize the need to raise the threshold to amend Ohio’s constitution to 60 percent.
$5.5M Dumped Into Final Stretch of Consequential Ohio Special Election https://t.co/iFVz9kyVhp
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 1, 2023
The final week before the vote has shown a statistical tie between the “yes” and “no” camps on Issue 1. According to a poll by Ohio Northern University’s Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP) in late July, support for Issue 1 is at 42 percent while opposition sits at 41 percent. The poll also revealed that Democrats and Republicans are divided on the issue, with Democrats being slightly opposed and Republicans supporting it. The high level of attention from voters makes it difficult to predict the outcome of the vote.
Proponents of Issue 1 argue that it is about the “right” to an abortion, but opponents believe it rolls back health and safety standards for abortion, removes limits on abortion until birth, and diminishes parental rights. Furthermore, other issue groups are looking to take advantage of Ohio’s low threshold for constitutional amendments. If Issue 1 fails, Cleveland’s mayor has suggested that Democrats could attempt to undermine Second Amendment rights. Overall, the outcome of this vote will have significant implications for future constitutional amendments in Ohio.
It is crucial for Ohioans to vote “no” on Issue 1 in order to protect the state’s constitution and the rights of parents. Allowing a simple majority to amend the constitution would open the door for radical changes that could undermine important values and principles. It is essential to maintain the higher threshold for amending the constitution and uphold the democratic process. Vote “no” on Issue 1 to protect Ohio’s constitution and ensure the preservation of individual rights and freedoms.
