Today, Ohioans are voting on a ballot question that aims to change the rules for all future ballot initiatives in the state. If it passes, this ballot initiative would increase the threshold to change the Ohio constitution to 60%. The current threshold is 50%+1. Additionally, if Issue 1 passes today, the process for gathering enough signatures for a future initiative to reach the ballot would change. Currently, an initiative requires signatures in only 44 of the state’s 88 counties from 5% of the registered voters in said county that participated in the prior state gubernatorial election. Should Issue 1 pass today, however, those signatures from 5% of voters would be required in all 88 counties moving forward. A passing of Issue 1 today would have downstream effects in November’s election. The new 60% threshold would apply to the general election ballot question to establish reproductive rights, including the right to an abortion, in the state constitution. However, the new threshold would not apply to a ballot question deciding the legalization of recreational marijuana in November. To read more on Issue 1, check out Zach Donnini’s full breakdown of what it could mean and what to watch for tonight. Polls close at 7:30 p.m. (EDT). We will have the election results below once they do.
Voters in Mississippi are also heading to the polls today to choose their party’s nominees for the November general election. Governor Tate Reeves leads a full slate of Republican incumbents statewide, only a few of which (including Reeves) are facing primary challengers. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann may have the most serious primary challenge from State Senator Chris McDaniel who has been endorsed by Ted Cruz and CPAC. Polls close at 7 p.m. (CDT). We will have the election results below once they do.