Early Election Turnout for Ohio Legislature’s Anti-Voter Constitutional Amendment Strong, as Century-Old Pro-Voter Ballot Initiative Rules Hang in the Balance

Brian Beihl

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 17, 2023

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) 

Today’s Links now below the script

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

Reports from around Ohio suggest a strong early voting turnout for a constitutional ballot question designed to defeat a November question on reproductive rights.  Issue 1 would change the threshold to pass for ALL Ohio ballot questions from 50% plus one to 60%, and importantly, require qualifying signatures from 5% of voters in each Ohio county. 

After ending August special elections due to their high cost and low turnout, the Ohio legislature and Governor Mike DeWine hurriedly resurrected the Aug. 8th election when it became apparent a citizen ballot initiative to enshrine reproductive rights was being organized in Ohio.  

Media around the state report relatively high early in-person turnout in many counties, but an August special election is typically 10% or lower in many counties.   WKRC reports that early predictions from election officials in Hamilton County in southwest Ohio suggest a 30-40% turnout.   The Columbus Dispatch notes that election officials in Union County reported slightly higher number of early in-person voters than even the 2020 Presidential election.  Ohio’s November 2020 turnout was 74%.  

Early in-person voting continues through August 6th, but voters are advised to check local schedules and locations.   APPLICATIONS for absentee ballots must be received by your local board of elections by August 1 at 8:30.  Completed ballots must be postmarked by August 7th.  Election day is August 8th. 

We have details on Ohio’s special election at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
Ohio Secretary of State – VOTING SCHEDULE FOR THE 2023 ELECTIONS
Ohio Capital Journal – Early voting begins for Issue 1 asking to make it harder for voters to amend the Ohio Constitution
Columbus Dispatch – August special election bringing in more early votes than expected around Columbus
WFMJ 21 – Valley Boards of Elections report strong turnout for early voting in August special election
Dayton Daily News – Issue 1: Election officials’ turnout estimates vary widely as early votes pour in
WOSU Public Media – Ohio voter guide: What to know about the August special election
WOSU Public Media – Early voting for Aug. 8 special election draws long lines at Franklin County Board of Elections
Times Leader – Groups say ‘hell no’ to Issue 1

Groups Taking Action:
Ohio Citizen Action, Common Cause Ohio,  One Person One Vote Coalition

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