Ohioans will head to the polls on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, to vote on two ballot measures that could have a significant impact on the state’s abortion laws and constitutional amendment process. The election has drawn national attention and money from groups and donors on both sides of the abortion debate.
Issue 1: Making it harder to amend the constitution
Issue 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a 60% supermajority vote of the people to approve any future constitutional amendments, instead of the current simple majority of 50% plus one vote. It would also require that any proposed amendment be approved by at least 55% of the counties in the state, and that it be placed on the ballot only in November of even-numbered years, instead of any general or special election.
Supporters of Issue 1, such as Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and former national security adviser Michael Flynn, argue that it would protect the state’s constitution from being changed by special interests and out-of-state money. They say that the current process is too easy and allows for radical changes that could harm the state’s economy, security, and values.
Opponents of Issue 1, such as former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, contend that it would make it harder for citizens to exercise their right to direct democracy and address important issues that the legislature fails to act on. They say that Issue 1 is a power grab by politicians and wealthy donors who want to prevent the people from having a say in their own government.
Issue 2: Protecting abortion rights
Issue 2 is another proposed constitutional amendment that would declare that the Ohio Constitution protects the right to abortion and prohibit any laws or regulations that interfere with that right. It would also invalidate any existing or future laws that restrict access to abortion, such as bans on certain procedures, waiting periods, parental consent, or clinic regulations.
Supporters of Issue 2, such as NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, argue that it is necessary to safeguard the right to abortion in Ohio, especially in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld a Texas law that bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. They say that Issue 2 would ensure that women have access to safe and legal abortion care regardless of what happens at the federal level.
Opponents of Issue 2, such as Ohio Right to Life and Catholics for Catholics, contend that it is an extreme and dangerous measure that would eliminate any protections for unborn children and their mothers. They say that Issue 2 would allow for unlimited abortions up to the moment of birth, without any exceptions for rape, incest, or health risks. They also claim that Issue 2 would force taxpayers to fund abortions and compel doctors and nurses to perform them against their conscience.
National groups and big donors fuel the election
The election has attracted national groups and big donors who have poured millions of dollars into campaigns for and against the two ballot measures. According to campaign finance reports filed with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, as of July 31, 2023:
- The main committee supporting Issue 1, Protect Ohio’s Constitution, raised over $12 million from various sources, including $5 million from Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group backed by billionaire Charles Koch; $3 million from Protect Freedom PAC, a political action committee affiliated with Michael Flynn; and $1 million from Frank LaRose’s campaign fund.
- The main committee opposing Issue 1, Ohioans for Fair Democracy, raised over $8 million from various sources, including $4 million from Fairness USA, a progressive group funded by billionaire George Soros; $2 million from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio; and $1 million from Ted Strickland’s campaign fund.
- The main committee supporting Issue 2, Yes on 2 for Reproductive Freedom, raised over $10 million from various sources, including $5 million from Women Vote!, a political action committee affiliated with EMILY’s List, a group that supports pro-choice female candidates; $3 million from NARAL Pro-Choice America; and $1 million from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio.
- The main committee opposing Issue 2, No on 2 for Life, raised over $9 million from various sources, including $4 million from Ohio Right to Life; $3 million from Catholics for Catholics; and $1 million from Jim Caviezel’s campaign fund.
The campaigns have also enlisted celebrities and influencers to rally their supporters and sway undecided voters. For example:
- Jim Caviezel, an actor who played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, spoke at a “rosary rally” organized by Catholics for Catholics in Norwood, Ohio, on Sunday, August 6, 2023. He urged voters to reject Issue 2 and support Issue 1 as a way of defending life and faith.
- Lizzo, a singer and rapper who is known for her body-positive and feminist messages, performed at a “concert for choice” organized by Yes on 2 for Reproductive Freedom in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. She encouraged voters to approve Issue 2 and oppose Issue 1 as a way of empowering women and protecting their rights.
The outcome could have national implications
The outcome of the election could have national implications for the abortion debate and the constitutional amendment process. Depending on how Ohioans vote, the state could become either a safe haven or a hostile territory for abortion rights in the Midwest. It could also set a precedent or a deterrent for other states that are considering changing their constitutional amendment rules.
The polls show that both issues are too close to call, with a large number of undecided voters. The turnout is expected to be low, as it is a special election in August. The results will be announced on Tuesday night, after the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
