CHICAGO — The recent special election in Ohio showcased the ongoing influence of the abortion issue on the ballot. Though abortion itself was not directly on the ballot, the defeat of a measure that would have made it harder to protect abortion rights in the state constitution demonstrated the continued power of the issue in shaping voting behavior.
The election saw a record turnout, defying expectations for what is typically a quiet August election. This sets the stage for another battle in November, when Ohio will be the only state this year to have reproductive rights on the ballot. It also gives hope to Democrats and advocates of abortion rights, who believe that the issue could once again sway voters in their favor in future elections, including the 2024 races for president, Congress, and statewide offices.
Democrats viewed the victory in Ohio, a state that has shifted rightward in recent years, as a significant warning sign for the GOP. Aidan Johnson, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stated that Republicans’ unpopular stance on women’s rights will cost them districts and that voters will be reminded of their anti-abortion agenda leading up to November.
The measure, known as Issue 1, would have required ballot questions to pass with a 60% majority instead of a simple majority. With nearly complete vote counts, the measure was defeated, with 57% voting against and 43% in favor, a difference of almost 430,000 votes.
Notably, support for the measure was lacking even in traditionally Republican areas. Early results showed that the measure received significantly less support than Donald Trump did during the 2020 election in nearly every county.
The November ballot question will ask voters whether individuals should have the right to make their own decisions regarding reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion, fertility treatment, and miscarriage care.
The Ohio government, led by Republicans, previously approved a ban on abortion after cardiac activity is detected, which is typically around six weeks. However, the ban has not been enforced due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which granted a federal right to abortion. When the conservative majority on the high court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, Ohio’s ban briefly went into effect before being put on hold again by a state court. Ohio’s restrictive abortion policies have attracted national attention and highlighted the importance of protecting access to abortion in the state.
Ohio is one of several states where citizens can bypass the legislature and directly put ballot questions to voters. Supporters of abortion rights have increasingly turned to this option since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Six states have held elections on reproductive rights since then, and in every election, voters have supported abortion rights, even in conservative states like Kansas and Michigan.
Opponents of the Ohio abortion question ran ads suggesting that the measure could infringe on parental rights. However, several legal experts have stated that these claims have no basis in the amendment. Supporters of abortion rights are hopeful that the results in November will protect access to abortion and inspire other states facing threats to reproductive rights to take similar action.
The vote in Ohio has broader implications for abortion access in the Midwest as well. Ohio has historically been a destination state for individuals seeking abortion services from neighboring states. The restriction of abortion access in Ohio would further limit options for those seeking care in the region.
The outcome of the November vote in Ohio will be closely watched by other states, as it could potentially influence anti-abortion groups’ strategies nationwide. Additionally, the results will provide hope to those who support abortion access and are facing threats in their own states.
The elections involving reproductive rights have shattered the notion that abortion rights cannot win in conservative states or regions. The results have shown that support for abortion rights cuts across party lines and geographical boundaries. The upcoming 2024 elections are expected to be pivotal, and Ohio’s vote serves as an early indicator of the battles to come.
Overall, the Ohio vote serves as a reminder that the issue of abortion is always at stake, whether it is directly on the ballot or through the elected officials who shape policies on the matter. It underscores the continuing importance of protecting and expanding access to abortion rights.