COLUMBUS, Ohio — In the Nov. 7 election, Ohioans decided on two statewide issues: the right to abortion access and the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Also on the ballot for local voters was the Columbus mayoral race between current mayor Andrew Ginther and his opponent Joe Motil, a Columbus Metropolitan Library levy and several levies and bonds from local school districts.
Issue 1
Ohio voters have approved a constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care. The outcome of Tuesday’s intense, off-year election was the latest blow for abortion opponents. It follows a string of defeats in statewide votes since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.
Approval of Ohio’s Issue 1 highlighted the divide between Ohio voters and the Republicans who control every lever of statewide political power. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris issued statements celebrating the amendment’s win. Republicans and anti-abortion groups were defiant in defeat. One GOP lawmaker said the Legislature ‘has multiple paths’ for exploring abortion restrictions.
Issue 1 will take effect 30 days after the election.
Issue 2
Ohio voters have approved a proposal legalizing recreational marijuana. Republican legislative leaders are expected to weigh revisiting aspects of the proposal that passed Tuesday. Ohio becomes the 24th state to allow adult cannabis use for non-medical purposes. Under the new law, adults 21 and over may buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow plants at home.
A 10% tax on purchases will go toward administrative costs, addiction treatment, municipalities with dispensaries, and social equity and jobs programs. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and some of the state’s largest business and manufacturing organizations opposed the measure, citing safety concerns.
Columbus Mayoral Race
Incumbent candidate Andrew Ginther has declared victory against opponent Joe Motil. This will be Ginther's third term as Columbus mayor.
Local school district bonds, levies
Columbus City Schools and other districts across central Ohio had levies and bonds on the ballot.
Voters have passed a $100 million annual levy proposed by the state's largest school district, Columbus City Schools. The levy will cost taxpayers nearly $270 per $100,000 of taxable property value each year.
A $145 million bond issue with a 7.9-mill operating levy is too close to call.
Voters have passed the Canal Winchester Schools levy. The renewal of the five-year, 10.2-million substitute levy will generate about $6.8 million each year for expenses for the school district.
Voters have approved the 6.3 million renewal operating levy for Groveport Madison Local Schools. The levy will help the district maintain current operations, including staffing levels, programs and activities.
Columbus Metropolitan Library levy
Franklin County residents on Tuesday voted to approve a levy proposed by the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
The 1.5 mill additional continuing levy will bring in more than $39 million during the first year of collection to help fund operating expenses for the library's 24 buildings. Property taxes will increase next year for Franklin County residents.