COLUMBIS, Ohio (Michigan News Source) – After a statewide  special election vote on raising the number of votes to amend the state constitution, the state of Ohio voted against Issue 1, mirroring Michigan’s Constitution. 

MORE NEWS: Trump Wins, Wisconsin Puts Him at 277, Michigan Still Counting Ballots

While some called the race with a greater margin, a later count from Tuesday’s vote regarding Ohio’s Issue 1 vote estimated roughly 57% to 43% voted against raising the Ohio threshold from a simple majority to pass a constitutional amendment to a 60% threshold. 

Advocates of the amendment largely wanted it to pass to make it more challenging for Ohio to pass its own constitutional amendment, with very similar language and length to Michigan’s Proposal 3 which passed in November 2022, enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution.  Those who opposed the ballot measure argued that it would reduce the rights of citizens to place constitutional amendments on the ballot. 

The Ohio GOP Protect our Constitution Vote Yes watch event hosted by Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) shared his thoughts as to the results. 

“I’m personally very disappointed,” he said according to the Ohio Capital Journal. “I think it’s a question that was worth asking of the voters, not only because of the two issues that are on the ballot in November, but the six to 10 that are planned over the next couple of years. … The question really is, are we going to allow our constitution to be amended on a regular basis.”

Huffman said they would have had a better chance of passing the amendment had it been on the May ballot. 

“Until May 10, we didn’t know there was a campaign,” Huffman said. “So it took us a long time to put the campaign together to execute the campaign.” 

MORE NEWS: Trump Wins, Wisconsin Puts Him at 277, Michigan Still Counting Ballots

MORE NEWS: More Michigan Congressional Races Called: Bergman and Dingell Win Reelection

While Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine did not address the vote or results on Twitter, he did advertise the state’s decision to put funding towards infrastructure and its own Electric Vehicle Battery Plant. 

“With this announcement, we are showing our commitment to do what it takes to create and bring jobs to Ohio, including Fayette County’s industrial park, which will be home to the site of the new LGES/Honda electric battery facility,” Ohio Governor DeWine said on social media. 

However, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was advocating for Ohioans to vote no yesterday ahead of the polls closing. 

“Ohioans, remember to vote NO today. Election integrity is crucial to our democracy. Not only is MI open for business, but we’re fighting to defend democracy, reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights,” Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a tweet on Tuesday, “If you’re looking for a new home,  maybe it’s time to head to America’s high five.”

Residents of Ohio will take to the polls in November to vote in a special election which will decide whether to enshrine the right to an abortion in the state’s constitution.