Franklin County officials expect about 20 percent of registered voters to participate in the election.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Early voting for Ohio’s special election began Tuesday, and Franklin County officials said they expect about 20 percent of registered voters to turn out.
On Tuesday, Democratic leaders gathered outside the Franklin County Board of Elections. They all want one thing: for people to vote “no” on #1.
“This is the biggest front for democracy in the history of the state of Ohio and the most important vote you’ve ever voted in your entire life. Make no mistake,” said Columbus Councilman Emmanuel Remy.
Mayor Andrew Ginther said putting No. 1 on the ballot is bad for workers, women and democracy. He believes the people of Ohio will not let it pass.
“This is an attempt to take away the will of the people. Voters’ rights. It is undemocratic, un-American and the people of Ohio will find it unacceptable starting today,” Ginther said.
House Minority Leader Allison Russo said the special election is about reproductive rights. In November, abortion may be on the ballot for Ohio voters to decide.
“They’re counting on voters being numb to the issue. But I actually think voters are paying attention. You see that here,” Russo said.
Several people showed up on the first day to vote to make sure their voices were heard.
“I am passionate about this issue because I am passionate about democracy and voting. Everyone has an equal say in what happens in their environment,” said early voter Mary Torok.
Others said they went out to vote to protect the weight of their vote.
“I think No. 1 is kind of a way for the legislatures to take over and take the vote away from us. I’m voting no on No. 1,” said early voter Mark Segal.
Alex Triantafilou, chairman of the Ohio GOP, is encouraging Republicans to vote early and says he already voted this morning.
“If the issue of abortion were not an issue, I think we would have widespread support for what is a very common sense measure of good governance and we would protect the founding document of the state,” Triantafilou said.
Ohio Senator JD Vance encourages voters to vote “yes” on #1.
“When we have a very strong sense of an issue and we can get 60 percent of us to support it, then of course we can let our voices be heard through the constitutional referendum process,” Vance said.
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