Issue 1 (Abortion Access): Passed
The constitutional amendment, titled "The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety," will protect abortion access in the state. It protects healthcare workers who provide abortions, and also Ohioans who receive abortions before viability (and after viability, if a physician determines it’s necessary to protect the mother’s health). Issue 1 was introduced after Roe V. Wade was overturned last year.
RELATED: Cleveland Activists Grapple with Ohio Abortion Policy Following the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Issue 2 (Recreational Cannabis Legalization): Passed
Ohioans voted in favor of cannabis legalization and passed Issue 2, which will allow state lawmakers to commercialize, regulate and tax the adult use of cannabis products.
Issue 38 (Participatory Budgeting in Cleveland): Rejected
While not a statewide issue, the concept of implementing participatory budgeting in Cleveland grabbed Ohio’s attention this election cycle. According to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections’ posted results on Wednesday morning, the issue narrowly did not pass — losing by less than 1,400 votes.
Cleveland voters ultimately rejected Issue 38, which means the city will not adopt a “People’s Budget” designed to set aside funds for city and neighborhood projects voted on by Cleveland citizens.
PB Cle released a statement following the loss: “Now may not yet be the right time for a People’s Budget in this form, but it will always be the right time for The People. The movement for a people’s budget is an early chapter in a much longer story that puts the needs of our communities at the center of policy making over corporate interests, while building power in the community for important fights to come."
RELATED: People's Budget on the Ballot: Inside Cleveland's Push for Participatory Budgeting
Also, Akron's Next Mayor
As predicted, Shammas Malik won the Akron mayoral race (he was uncontested). Read our profile about Malik, who will become the Rubber City’s first millennial mayor.
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