Early voting in Ohio's Issue 1 concludes with no rural area waits, but urban counties experience long lines

Early voting for Ohio's August 8 election is over. Now, it comes down to Tuesday when Ohioans will decide Issue 1, the statewide proposed change to the constitution that would make it harder to pass future amendments and would significantly raise the requirements for groups to get to the ballot in the first place.

Ohioans are gearing up for the upcoming election on Tuesday, where they will decide on Issue 1, a proposed change to the state constitution. This change would make it more difficult to pass future amendments and would raise the requirements for groups to get on the ballot. Early voting for the election has already concluded, with the final weekend seeing a surge of supporters and opponents of Issue 1 trying to get their voters to cast their ballots.

In Delaware County, a Republican stronghold that has seen a slight shift in recent years, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters rallied with about two dozen volunteers before they embarked on a last-minute door-to-door effort to encourage voters to vote against Issue 1. Walters herself also did some door knocking in Franklin County, a Democratic party stronghold.

Meanwhile, a large float with the message "Yes on 1" was parked outside the board of elections, where the Delaware County Republican Party was holding a rally with GOP state leaders from the area. In Cincinnati, a "Pray the Rosary" rally featuring the star of the movie "The Sound of Freedom" and former three-star general and Trump adviser Michael Flynn took place.

The official pro-Issue 1 campaign has spent over $9.5 million on radio and TV ads, while the anti-Issue 1 campaign has spent $12.5 million. In the week leading up to the election, more than half of the $21 million total has been spent. What was initially expected to be a low-turnout special election has turned out to be anything but.

Early voting totals have shown that more than double the number of people who voted at the same time in last year's May primary for US Senate and governor have already cast their ballots. Additionally, more than five times as many Ohioans have voted early compared to last August's legislative primary.

While both urban and rural areas are participating in early voting, not all voting experiences have been equal. Smaller counties have had virtually no wait times, while larger counties such as Hamilton, Cuyahoga, and Franklin have experienced long lines at early voting centers. Voters like Meghan Hayes of Columbus have expressed frustration with the long lines, but have also appreciated the turnout and enthusiasm from fellow voters.

The Franklin County Board of Elections has acknowledged the long lines but has stated that voters have remained patient. However, voting rights advocates, such as Jen Miller with the League of Women Voters of Ohio, have called for changes to ensure that voters do not have to endure long lines in the August heat. Concerns about people's health and safety have been raised, especially when voters are standing on pavement in hot weather.

In an effort to provide relief, some voting rights advocates have been handing out icy cold bottles of water to those waiting in line. It is worth noting that this August election was not originally scheduled until May. Republican legislators passed a law at the end of last year that eliminated most August special elections. The proposal to raise the voter approval threshold and require signatures from all 88 counties for amendments was initially intended for the May primary ballot. However, when that effort failed, majority Republicans in the Ohio Legislature moved it to August so it would be in effect for the November election, where voters will consider a constitutional amendment on reproductive and abortion rights.

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the law banning most August special elections did not apply when state lawmakers were proposing a constitutional amendment. Polls will open at 6:30 am on Tuesday, and voters are advised to double-check their polling locations as many have changed. There may also be a shortage of poll workers in some areas, potentially leading to lines on Election Day as well.

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