John,

Early voting is underway in Ohio to change the rules to stop a reproductive rights ballot measure in November. A special election on this rule change is being held on August 8th and early voting is occurring now.

To prevent this rule change, urge your friends and family in Ohio to vote NO on special election Issue 1 requiring a 60% vote for Constitutional amendments instead of the simple majority (50% +1) that is required currently.

Abortion rights advocates in Ohio have successfully gathered enough signatures to place a state Constitutional Amendment titled the Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion on the November 7, 2023, general election ballot.

But right-wing state legislatures are trying to change the rules to make it easier to defeat the reproductive rights amendment. They want to make it harder to pass the reproductive rights constitutional amendment and are trying to change the rules right before the general election– because polls show the abortion rights initiative will win under the current rules.

This Tuesday’s special election is crucial for reproductive rights in Ohio.

• A "NO" vote on Issue 1 will preserve the current simple majority requirement, empowering the people to shape their state's Constitution and protect their rights.
• A "YES" vote would hinder Ohio citizens’ ability to pass essential constitutional amendments, including the proposed Constitutional amendment, the Right to Make Reproductive Decisions Including Abortion, that will be on the ballot in November. 

Ohio voters already show overwhelming opposition to Issue 1, with 57 percent expressing disapproval, according to a recent poll. Passing Issue 1 would only serve to concentrate power in the hands of politicians and limit the democratic choices of the people.

Early voting on Issue 1 began in July and is available as listed at the end of this message. You can also vote on Special Election Day itself – August 8th.

If you are outraged by the Ohio right-wing controlled state legislature’s continued attempts to restrict reproductive freedom, make sure you and all your friends and family vote.

The right-wing is betting on a small voter turnout in August. That’s why their vote is so important.

Urge your friends and family to vote "NO" on Issue 1 and pave the way for the passage this November of a reproductive rights state constitutional amendment in Ohio.

Don’t let right-wing politicians control an individual’s right to reproductive freedom. Take action and help get the vote out.

For equality,

Eleanor Smeal, President Feminist Majority

P.S. Remind your Ohioan friends and family to cast their ballot ahead of time and make a difference in shaping Ohio's future. Days and times you can vote are as follows: 

• August 2nd – 4th between 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.  

• August 5th between 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

• August 6th between 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

• August 8th – 6:30AM – 7:30PM (at your local polling place)