Election on constitutional amendments in Ohio could impact abortion rights measure

By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Early voting has begun in Ohio in a high-stakes Aug. 8 election on whether to make it tougher to amend the state constitution. Boards reported steady to robust first-day turnout Tuesday. If approved, Issue 1 would raise the threshold for passing future constitutional changes from a simple majority in place since 1912 to a 60% supermajority. The higher bar would have immediate consequences for an abortion rights amendment in the works for fall. Since the landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion was overturned last summer, amendments protecting access to abortion in other states have passed handily — but generally with less than 60% of the vote.