Ohioans to Decide on Tuesday if Future Constitutional Amendments Will Require Higher Threshold of Support

Ohioans are heading to the polls on Tuesday, August 8th to vote on Issue 1, a ballot measure that could make it more difficult to pass future amendments to the state constitution. If passed, the measure would raise the threshold of support required to pass state constitutional amendments from a simple majority of more than 50% of the vote to 60%.

The measure has received outsize attention due to its potential implications for abortion rights in the state. Ohio is set to vote on a ballot measure this fall that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, and if Issue 1 passes, it could make it much harder for that measure to pass.

In addition to raising the threshold of support required to pass constitutional amendments, Tuesday’s ballot measure would also toughen rules for groups trying to place future ballot measures before voters. Under the proposed measure, groups would need to obtain signatures from voters in all of Ohio’s 88 counties, instead of the 44 now required.

The measure has been met with opposition from pro-choice groups, who argue that it is an attempt to make it harder for Ohioans to pass progressive ballot measures. Supporters of the measure, however, argue that it is necessary to ensure that constitutional amendments have broad support from the electorate.

The outcome of Tuesday’s vote will have major implications for the future of ballot measures in Ohio. If passed, it could make it much harder for progressive ballot measures to pass, while also ensuring that constitutional amendments have broad support from the electorate.