To the editor:

In 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, the landmark piece of legislation that made access to abortion a federal right in the United States. The reversal of Roe vs. Wade has given states the authority to set their own reproductive health policies, meaning that these laws now vary widely; women in some states will have access to personally chosen reproductive health care and those in others will not.

The reversal also set off intense battles between those who want to implement restrictions and those who want to preserve access to safe health care. That is what Issue 1 is about.

In Ohio this November, VOTERS will hopefully get to decide whether an individual’s right to make decisions about their own healthcare should be protected by the state constitution. That choice will be all but impossible if the voters say “yes” to Issue 1 in August.

Over 700,000 signatures were obtained (400,000 were required) to put the ballot before the people of the state in November. This August special election is essentially about changing the rules. These rules would stop the likelihood of Ohio citizens voting in November to maintain women’s reproductive freedom in our state.

The August special election for Issue 1 may look like saying “yes” means that the majority vote will win the day. However, it elevates the percentage of people needed to pass initiatives in the future. The state GOP came up with Issue 1 to change the rules that have been in place for over 100 years! Issue 1 would require 60% of voters to approve the November initiative instead of a simple majority. There has never been a 60% majority for ANY issue EVER. This is an attempt by the state GOP to stop any chance for true majority rule by Ohio citizens.

That’s not how democracy is supposed to work.

Democracy works when everyone plays fair. This attempt to hoodwink Ohioans into thinking that Issue 1 “protects our constitution” from outside special interests or that the “other side” is to be feared is disingenuous. If one party thinks they’ll lose if voters express their preferences, then changing the rules is all they’ve got. Think about that.

We are O-H-I-O, not California, not the deep red South. We are your family, friends, and neighbors–not billionaires funneling secret dollars. We have traditionally been a “purple state”–reflecting healthy, diverse viewpoints of a diverse population. The GOP has gerrymandered districts to ensure minority/one-party rule. That’s not democracy.

Vote however you wish in November, whether you support healthcare access or not. Just be sure that in August you vote to protect all your future votes.

Believe facts, not falsehoods, not fear.

Vote NO on Issue 1

Regina Webb (former Salem resident)

Paula Woods

Cleveland Heights, OH