Reactions to the defeat of Ohio Issue 1 redistricting reform showed strong feelings on both sides, with supporters expressing frustration with confusion over the ballot language, and those opposed praising voters for rejecting the Citizens Not Politicians proposal.
With 100% of precincts reporting, the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office reports an unofficial result of 54.78% of voters against Issue 1, and 46.22% in favor of the measure. The office counts 220,046 outstanding absentee & provisional ballots, not enough to cover the more than 400,000-vote margin in the race.
Opposition praises outcome
Those in opposition to Issue 1 praised the decision of a majority of Ohio voters on Tuesday night.
Before the race had even been called by The Associated Press, anti-abortion organization Ohio Right to Life was already celebrating the defeat, calling Issue 1 a “potential power grab by liberal elites.”
“By joining Ohio Right to Life and defeating Issue 1, the voters of Ohio have shut the door on special interests polluting our state constitution,” the group said in a statement.