(LibertySociety.com) – Ohio voters sent a message on August 8 when they rejected a ballot measure that would make it harder for the state constitution to be amended through ballot initiatives. Some Republican lawmakers have admitted that they were hoping to increase the threshold from a simple majority to 60 percent to stop a November abortion ballot initiative from passing. Democrats capitalized on the controversial topic, spending close to $16 million on advertisements to encourage citizens to get out and vote. Their messaging focused narrowly on abortion rights, which they believe are an essential part of women’s healthcare.
Ohioans will vote on a ballot measure in November to enshrine the right to abortion into the state constitution. A 6-week ban on abortion went into effect in the state after Roe v. Wade was overturned but was blocked from taking effect in 2022. Abortions up to 22 weeks are still legal in the Republican-majority state. Democrats will likely spend millions over the next year to sway voters into securing abortion rights. Republicans will have to provide clear messaging to voters about the details of the ballot initiative if they want people to reject it. It is unclear if abortion will be a dominant topic for the 2024 presidential election if initiatives are on the ballot, as Republican and Independent voters can support the measure without voting for the pro-abortion candidate.
Republicans who support the idea have voiced concerns over out-of-state bankrolling of ballot initiatives, which oftentimes funds advertisements that are designed to mislead voters. Missouri’s 2022 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana was influenced by outside donors who misrepresented the details of the amendment. Voters were ready to legalize marijuana, but many were unaware of the fine print included in the initiative. However, most who oppose the increased threshold for ballot initiatives believe that doing so would take away more power from citizens.
After failed efforts in Arkansas and now Ohio, the Missouri legislature may reconsider its decision to push for a similar measure in the August 2024 primary election. Legislators failed to reach a consensus before adjourning for the summer but said they are ready to resume debate when they are back in session. A trigger law banning all abortions in Missouri took effect right after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Organizers in the state have secured a ballot initiative for November 2024 that will amend the state constitution to allow lawmakers to pass legislation to write pre-viability abortion laws.
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