Between now and Nov. 7, Ohioans have the opportunity to make their voices heard on both reproductive rights and marijuana legalization. Because the majority in the Ohio General Assembly is out of touch with the people on these issues, it is up to voters to assert their will at the ballot box.
I’m voting “yes” on Issue 1 to enshrine reproductive rights in the Ohio constitution because private medical decisions should be made by patients with their doctors, not by extreme politicians.
Ohio politicians have already passed a six-week abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest. Issue 1 will stop extreme abortion bans and establish our right to make our own decisions about contraception and fertility treatment.
Despite false claims to the contrary, this amendment allows for abortion restrictions after viability, has no effect on parents’ rights, and has nothing to do with gender-affirming care.
Adult use of marijuana should be legal, regulated, and taxed in Ohio. That’s why I’m a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Ohio Adult Use Act (House Bill 168) and why I’m voting “yes” on Issue 2.
A recent study by the Ohio State University Drug Enforcement and Policy Center estimates potential annual tax revenue from legalizing marijuana at between $276 million and $403 million in year five. That’s revenue Ohio can use to strengthen public safety and invest in infrastructure and essential services. Adult use of marijuana is already legal for a majority of Americans and the sky has not fallen. It’s time for Ohio to take this step.
Exercise your right to vote on or before Nov. 7.
MICHELE GRIM
West Toledo
State Representative, District 43
Issue 1 is dangerous
In Ohio, abortion is legal up to 22 weeks gestation, and parents must grant permission for all procedures done on their minor children.
The proposed state constitutional amendment known as Issue 1 on the November ballot would change all of this.
Abortion would be legal for any reason for all nine months, including late term, painful abortions. The deceptive language of the amendment states that abortion would only be legal up until the point that the baby would be viable, unless to protect the life and health of the mother.
In previous legal actions, “health” of the mother was interpreted to include emotional or financial stress or age; this interpretation would therefore permit abortion without limit. The abortionist, who makes money on the procedure, could determine the time of viability.
Because the amendment uses the term “every individual” rather than woman or adult female, minor children seeking abortions or making other reproductive decisions such as sex-change procedures would no longer need parent permission to do so.
School personnel cannot give a student an over-the-counter pain reliever without parental permission. Minor children cannot get their ears pierced, play on a sports team, or get a driver’s license without parental permission. Yet, this proposed amendment would allow minor children to make permanent, life-altering decisions without parental consent.
Issue 1 is a dangerous, extreme constitutional amendment.
Ohio Voters — please vote “no” on Issue 1 to protect women, children, and parental rights.
ANNE BRAHIER
Perrysburg
Persuade nonvoters
The recent article concerning opting out of politics made for some interesting reading. The idea that eliminating voter ID cards and increasing the number of polling places would somehow increase voter participation seems a bit dubious.
Previous schemes such as early voting and the promotion of absentee voting have made voting easier for regulars but have done little to attract new participation.
There unfortunately are people who just are not interested in voting. They may be people who pay little attention to civic issues and are ignorant of how government in a democracy works.
They may be people who fail to perceive how issues and candidates impact their personal lives. They also may be those who have become disillusioned and dropped out, as elections in recent years have become more and more mean-spirited.
The approach to attracting new voters should not be focused on making the process easier but should be focused on convincing nonparticipants of the importance of taking part.
JOHN STEWART
Monclova Township
Issue 1 foes use lies
It is extremely vexing to hear and see all the ads opposing Issue 1 that contain misleading statements and, in some cases, outright lies.
But it is even more upsetting to hear our governor and his wife repeat such vitriol. Is there no one who monitors election claims?
The truth is that Issue 1 enshrines in Ohio constitution the same reproductive rights for women that were lost with the reversal of the Roe vs. Wade decision.
There is nothing in the language that changes Ohio law regarding parental rights.
There is nothing in the language that addresses gender affirming care. The amendment maintains the standard set in 1973 that prohibits abortion after viability.
And it protects access to miscarriage care, contraception, and fertility treatments.
I urge everyone to actually read the amendment’s language before casting a vote.
LINDA DETRICK-JAEGLY
Northwood
I-475 widening needed
I have lived in or around Toledo all my life. I remember when the interstate highway system first started to be constructed back in the 1960s.
It was designed and built to handle the traffic flow at that time.
Over the years our system has been upgraded to meet much higher traffic counts than were originally anticipated, not to mention many safety improvements.
Bridge rebuilding and a third lane have been completed on all parts of our highway system, with one glaring exception, a 2- to 3-mile section from Douglas Road to the I-475-U.S. 23 split in the Sylvania area.
This stretch is a total cluster and very dangerous, especially during the rush hours. Over the past few years there have been dozens of accidents including at least two fatalities.
With funding as well as a design already in place, there is no reason the third lane should not be built.
I urge all parties involved to see that this project be moved along as quickly as possible.
TIM CASEY
Sylvania
Women should decide
When it comes to Issue 1, consider the words of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a woman’s life, to her well-being and dignity.
“It is a decision she must make for herself. When the government controls that decision for her, she is being treated as less than a full adult human responsible for her own choices.”
Vote “yes” on Issue 1.
RACHEL PLENZLER
Maumee
Vote ‘no’ for families
Vote “no” on Issue 1. This is not a political issue. This is a parental rights issue. The dangers of this anti-parent amendment cannot be overstated, it blindfolds parents. It would wipe out parental notification and consent requirements for minors obtaining abortions and other life altering reproductive procedures.
Issue 1 cancels protections for women and young girls who felt coerced into an abortion and affords protection to perpetrators, traffickers and abusers. It would allow painful, late term abortions, in fact right up until the moment of birth. This abortion-industry led initiative would require taxpayer funding for abortions. This radical amendment would abolish existing health and safety hospital protections during an abortion.
Vote No.
Issue 2 on the Nov. 7 ballot opens the door to legalized marijuana in Ohio. But this would come at the harmful expense of Ohio’s youth and their families. Today’s marijuana is much more potent and highly addictive. It acts as a gateway drug to further drug addictions. There is a clear connection between legalized pot and worsening opioid and heroin crises. At a time when an addiction crisis is plaguing so many of our communities and families, we don’t need more recreational, life-damaging drugs in Ohio. Vote No on Issue 2.
Our state is at this crossroads, because the good people of Ohio have gone along with the prevailing cultural trends for far too long. These dangerous, extreme proposals threaten to turn Ohio into “Crazy California” overnight. Don’t let it happen. Save Ohio. Tell others. Vote No on Issues 1 and 2.
GREG BONNELL
Oregon
First Published October 24, 2023, 4:00 a.m.
