COLUMBUS, Ohio — Heavier-than-normal turnout is expected Wednesday as early voting begins in Ohio's closely watched off-year election to decide the future of abortion access and marijuana legalization in the state.
Of greatest interest nationally is Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment giving every person “the right to make and carry out one's own reproductive decisions.” The effort comes on the heels of a string of victories for abortion rights proponents around the country who have been winning in both Democratic and deeply Republican states since the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion was overturned.
Both sides tried to gin up enthusiasm over the past week as they hosted rallies and canvassing events across the state.
Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, the yes campaign, emphasizes the measure's ability to keep Ohio's ban on most abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected from taking effect. A judge's order has placed the 2019 law on hold, but the Ohio Supreme Court is considering whether to lift that stay.
Proponents' ads argue that abortion-related decisions should be kept between a woman and her family, doctor and faith leaders, not regulated by government.
The opposition campaign, Protect Women Ohio, has zeroed in on questions raised by Issue 1's loose wording, citing legal theories — as yet, untested — that passing the amendment would jeopardize Ohio's parental consent requirements for minors receiving abortions and other types of medical care.
Opponents also have campaigned heavily on the idea that the amendment would allow abortions to happen in the final stages of pregnancy, despite such procedures being rare and generally involving life-threatening situations. Misinformation has also swirled around the campaign.
Sam Zern, a regional field organizer for Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights and a graduate student at Kent State University, said the organization has seen “an inspiring amount of energy on college campuses” around the state.
Spokesperson Amy Natoce said Protect Women Ohio has seen good turnout at its events, including Friday's March for Life at the Statehouse, and is putting “a huge emphasis on people getting out and banking their vote before Nov. 7.”
Issue 2 on Ohio's ballot is an initiated statute advanced by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol that would allow adults 21 and over to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and to grow plants at home. A 10% tax would be imposed on purchases, to be spent on administrative costs, addiction treatment programs, municipalities with dispensaries and social equity and jobs programs.
Passage would make Ohio the 24th state to legalize cannabis for adult use.
Opponents include the Ohio Business Roundtable, which represents executives from more than 100 of Ohio's largest employers, the Ohio Manufacturers' Association and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
EARLY VOTING DATES
Early voting begins Oct. 11 at each county's board of elections.
Early in-person voting schedule:
- Oct. 11 – Oct. 27: Open weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Oct. 30 – Nov. 3: Open from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 4: Open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Nov. 5: Open from 1 – 5 p.m.
Military and overseas absentee voting begins Sept. 22 and ends Nov. 6 (postmark deadline).
Absentee ballot voting bay mail begins Oct. 11 and ends Nov. 6 (postmark deadline).
WHEN DO POLLS IN OHIO OPEN & CLOSE?
Polls in Ohio on Election Day are open between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where is my polling place?
Voters can find their polling location here: ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/
What time will Ohio election results come in?
Expect to see the first results shortly after 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots are the first votes counted, according to the Secretary of State's office.
OHIO VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS
Valid types of photo identification include:
- Ohio driver's license
- State of Ohio ID card
- Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
- US passport
- US passport card
- US military ID card
- Ohio National Guard ID card
- US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
All photo IDs must have an expiration date that has not passed.
What if you forget your ID on Election Day? You will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot. For that ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than four days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification.
Ohio law prohibits acceptance of the following forms of ID:
- Out-of-state driver’s license or photo ID
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Insurance card
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Government check
- Paycheck
- Other government document
- Any registration acknowledgment notice from the county board of elections
VOTING RESOURCES FOR OHIOIANS
WHERE CAN I GET ELECTION RESULTS?
WBNS-10TV will share election results after the polls close, which you can check at live on 10TV News, 10TV+ and at 10TV.com/elections. Be sure to follow 10TV on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for complete coverage.
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