Group files signatures for ballot measure, intensifying Ohio’s abortion rights showdown

Ohio Becomes the Next Abortion Battleground as Advocates Submit Petition Signatures

Ohio may soon become the next major battleground in the fight over abortion rights, as advocacy groups seeking to protect those rights have submitted hundreds of thousands of petition signatures to the secretary of state’s office. If certified, these 710,000 signatures, which exceed the state’s requirements by nearly 300,000, would place a proposed amendment on the ballot in November, coinciding with municipal and school board elections across the state. This comes after neighboring states Kentucky and Michigan, both of which have historically conservative leanings, supported abortion rights in their own ballot measures. Ohio, a traditionally swing state, could serve as a litmus test for voters’ attitudes towards abortion rights in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Advocates for abortion rights argue that Ohioans, like their counterparts in Michigan and Kentucky, will vote in favor of protecting abortion access. The decision to engage in politics was spurred by the US Supreme Court’s ruling last June to overturn the long-standing federal abortion protections established in Roe v. Wade, effectively leaving the issue to be decided by individual states. Dr. Aziza Wahby, a Cleveland dermatologist and member of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, stated that this issue has made her and others more politically aware and engaged.

The proposed amendment in Ohio aims to ensure that individuals have the right to make and carry out their reproductive decisions. If successful, Ohio would be the only state with a ballot measure on abortion rights this year. Local officials have until July 20 to verify the signatures, and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose will have final approval to place the issue on the fall ballots by July 25. However, before the November election, there will be another significant vote on August 8, where Ohio voters will decide whether to raise the threshold for amending the state constitution from a simple majority to 60%. This vote has sparked a heated debate on both sides of the abortion issue.

Abortion rights advocates argue that scheduling the special election for a time when families are wrapping up summer vacations and preparing for the start of school is a deliberate attempt to suppress voter turnout. Kellie Copeland, the executive director of Pro-Choice Ohio, stated that this decision demonstrates that the Republican agenda does not align with the interests of Ohioans. On the other hand, supporters of the special election argue that protecting Ohio’s constitution is paramount and that the timing is not undemocratic. Both campaigns will be actively engaging voters across the state in the coming months, with door-to-door canvassing and television ad campaigns being used to sway public opinion.

Despite the controversy surrounding the special election, the fight over abortion rights in Ohio is far from over. With the potential for a high-stakes vote in November, both sides are intensifying their efforts to rally support. Former Republican governors Bob Taft and John Kasich have voiced their opposition to the August special election, arguing that such a significant change to state law should not occur during a low-turnout summer election. As the campaigns unfold, Ohioans will be faced with crucial decisions that will shape the future of abortion rights in their state.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-05 22:05:00