Today Ohio voters will determine the future of two hot-button social issues - abortion and marijuana.
Voters will decide whether to approve Issue 1 and Issue 2, along with a range of other local races and levies.
“…Issue 1, would change the state’s Constitution to provide the right for every person to ‘make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions’ before a fetus is viable outside the womb (usually around 23 or 24 weeks of pregnancy). If Issue 1 passes, Ohio will become the latest state to vote to protect or expand abortion access. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, abortion rights have gone six for six in elections, including in red states, when voters have made direct decisions on the issue.” New York Times, 11/2/2023
Issue 1 is probably the most closely watched ballot measure in the nation for November 2023.
Issue 2 is an initiated statute that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. Issue 2 in Ohio will determine whether recreational marijuana will be legalized. This measure would allow adults 21 and over to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 15 grams of extract. If passed, Ohio would become the 24th state to legalize cannabis for adult use.
“The presence of the abortion measure, with strong support from liberal-leaning and younger voters, could help push Issue 2 to a majority. But its prospects for passage are considered noticeably lower than that of the abortion measure. Another footnote: Even if it passes, Issue 2 would create a statute rather than a constitutional amendment, which would give the GOP-majority legislature opportunities to modify it.” Ohio Abortion Vote Leads List of Key 2023 Statewide Ballot Issues, UVA Center for Politics, 10/18/2023
“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their backs to the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”
~Abraham Lincoln
State elections here, and the balance in the legislature is just as critical, I will head out to vote on my way to the office. I plan to send my staff home early this afternoon to vote on the way home.
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