BREAKING: Voters reject Issue 1; Simple majority rule to stay in Ohio

Ohioans have rejected Issue 1, keeping a system of simple majority rule and the process of proposing constitutional amendments that have been part of Ohio’s constitutional history for 111 years.

A bipartisan coalition featuring over 200 organizations with Republican and Democratic support led the opposition of Issue 1 to victory.

The requirements of placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot will remain the same, requiring the collection of signatures from at least 5% of voters from the last gubernatorial election in 44 counties and keeping a deadline extension in gathering signatures for initiatives deemed faulty by the secretary of state’s office when the minimum number isn’t met.

With simple majority rule staying in place, codifying reproductive freedom in this November’s general election will only need 50% + 1 to be successful.

Important deadlines for the Nov. 7 election include the following:

Voter Registration Deadline: Oct. 10, 2023

Absentee Ballot Request: Nov. 4, 2023

Completed Absentee Ballot Return Deadlines:

  • Postmarked: Nov. 6
  • In-Person received: Nov. 7
  • Post received: Nov 17.

Early voting starts Oct. 30 and ends Nov. 6.