Ohio Votes Against Special Election Measure, Boosting Pro-Abortion Campaign

HIGHLAND COUNTY, Ohio—Ohioans voted on Aug. 8 to reject stricter requirements for citizen-initiated amendments to the state’s constitution in a move that could bode well for activists’ efforts to codify abortion rights later this year.

Volunteer Amelia Klein helps voters cast their ballots during a special election for Issue 1 at the Schiller Recreation Center in German Village in Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2023. Adam Cairns/USA Today Network via Reuters

HIGHLAND COUNTY, Ohio—Ohioans voted on Aug. 8 to reject stricter requirements for citizen-initiated amendments to the state’s constitution in a move that could bode well for activists’ efforts to codify abortion rights later this year.

With reporting from all precincts and an outstanding 58,000 ballots, the “no” vote won 57.01 percent to the “yes” vote’s 42.99 percent.