On November 7, Ohio citizens found two main topics of voting on their ballots: State Issue 1 and State Issue 2. What do these issues represent?

State Issue 1 revolved around reproductive rights. This will affect decisions focusing on abortion, fertility treatment, and contraception. 56.6% of Ohioans were said to vote to “make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions.” 43.4% of voters said “no” to amending the constitution for this issue. This means that there will be an amendment to the constitution to allow these decisions to take place.

State Issue 2 revolved around the legalization of marijuana. It is known as the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Initiative. The results say that 57% of voters voted “yes”, while 43% voted “no” on this particular issue. This means that, like the first issue, it will also force the constitution to be amended and it would create a new state law that legalizes the use of marijuana for adults of age 21 or older. Since voters marked “yes” on their ballot for this vote, this will both authorize and legalize the cultivation, home growth, purchase, sale, and possession of marijuana.

Two students that were involved in either voter awareness or registration, Gabriella LaPerle (11) and Wright Chen (12), were happy with the results of the election, both before and after it took place.

“Overall, I’ve seen a lot of signs and things like that, just getting people out there and getting people to vote,” Chen said.

“What’s interesting is that Ohio specifically has taken a lot of steps towards their amendment of their constitution. An amendment that is not a law allows for more widespread allowances that weren’t there before, such as in the Roe v. Wade case,” LaPerle said.

The students also commented on the importance of voting in both national elections, but also in state and local elections.

“Because state and local elections decide who gets the vote in the national legislation on behalf of you, it’s important to vote in these elections,” Chen said. “You have to see which candidate would best represent your own interests and your own community’s interests.”

LaPerle also believes that it’s crucial for people to vote.

“…We realized we needed more young people to just know that they actually have both a specific right and a duty to vote,” LaPerle said.

Students interested in elections and politics in general are encouraged to join the Junior State of America club at OHS.