The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 2, 2023
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Early voting for Ohio’s Aug. 8th special election is robust, as voters consider raising the threshold for a ballot initiative to win to a 60% margin. At stake in Issue 1 is a 112-year-old precedent of a 50%+ 1 simple majority rule — and an attempt to derail a reproductive freedom ballot question slated for November’s election.
The Ohio Capital Journal reports that in a televised debate last week, the 60% supermajority was defended by no less than Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a highly irregular action for a chief elections officer.
While Issue 1 isn’t directly about abortion rights, the Secretary of State’s office said last week the coalition collecting signatures for the reproductive rights ballot question exceeded the needed signatures among 44 counties. In addition to a 60% margin, Issue 1 would require FUTURE initiatives to collect signatures in all 88 Ohio counties.
Although the deadline passes Aug. 1st to request & mail an absentee ballot, early voting at election centers continues August 2nd to the 4th, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., August 5th, 8 to 4, and August 6th, 1 to 5. August 8th, polls will be open 6:30 AM to 7:30 p.m.
We have links to articles about Issue 1, and details on when, how and where to vote in Ohio at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
BallotPedia – Ohio Issue 1, 60% Vote Requirement to Approve Constitutional Amendments Measure (2023)
Ohio Capital Journal – Early vote figures continue their tear in Ohio’s August special election
Ohio Capital Journal – Issue 1 debate brings the fight over how to amend Ohio’s constitution statewide
Ohio Capital Journal – (Opinion) Author of book on Ohio Constitution warns against Issue 1 changing 111 years of Ohio voter power
Ohio Capital Journal – Ohio abortion rights amendment headed for November ballot
Columbus Dispatch – Tuesday is the deadline for mail-in ballot requests for Aug. 8 election.
Ohio Secretary of State – Voting Dates & Times for Aug. 8th Special Election
WOSU – Ohio voter guide: What to know about the August special election
Ohio Secretary of State – Find My Polling Place Tool
Groups Taking Action:
One Person One Vote, Ohio Voter Rights Coalition, Ohio Citizen Action, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, All Voting is Local
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