News on the November 7, 2023 election

A look at some of the most high-profile recent election results impacting Ohio and Greater Cleveland. 

State Issue 1 passes with over 56% Support

Ohio voters approved State Issue 1 by a convincing margin embedding abortion rights in Ohio's Constitution. After millions spent on both sides of the issue over the past several months, the matter was finally settled by voters at the ballot box. Since this measure was proposed as a constitutional amendment, the language cannot be changed or improved unless voters are presented with a subsequent constitutional amendment at a future election.

State Issue 2 receives nearly 57% approval by Ohio voters

With the passage of State Issue 2, Ohio will now join 24 other states which have legalized the use of recreational marijuana. Unlike State Issue 1, this measure was proposed to voters as an initiated statute, meaning the legislature has authority to both modify the language and craft additional implementing legislation. We can expect to see the Ohio General Assembly take action on this over the next few weeks. Legislative leaders have already hinted that they’d like to see modifications to how recreational marijuana will be taxed and where those tax dollars will be utilized. 

Cleveland voters narrowly reject Issue 38

By a narrow 51% - 49% vote, the people of Cleveland rejected a proposal to partially strip funding authority from city government and put it in the hands of a citizen-led committee. The proposal, known as “the People’s Budget Amendment,” was defeated by less than 1,500 votes. The measure received a great deal of attention across the state after concerns grew about the negative impact such proposals could have if adopted in other municipalities across Ohio.