Cannabis And Abortion: Ohio's Hot Button Issues On Election Day

It's the final day of voting on a cannabis legalization initiative along with an amendment that would protect the right to abortion in Ohio’s state Constitution.

Lines at a local Methodist church in a Cleveland suburb were steady and noisy since the polls opened at 6:30 a.m., according to an election worker checking IDs. “Lots of people voted early. But today is the day, so I’m not surprised."  

Crucial Election

Tuesday’s election is a big one as Ohioans are weighing in on two major topics — abortion and marijuana, that is, Issue 1 and Issue 2. 

Both issues have been polling in favor of passage throughout the past several months. They’ve both garnered vocal support and bitter opposition in this newly red state. Women, regardless of party affiliation, seem to be supporting the right to choose abortion. One woman who identified herself as a mother of five told Benzinga it was a "personal choice and a healthcare issue."

Read also: GOP Disputes And A Few Threats Notwithstanding, Ohioans Of All Stripes Support Legal Cannabis

People across the board, according to the polls, say they’re supporting the initiative to legalize cannabis, led by the Coalition To Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. There was no shortage of people who, once they passed the delineated 50 feet from the church's entrance, told Benzinga that they voted for legalizing cannabis.

"And it's going to pass this time," said one man, a medical marijuana patient and a veteran. Several college students who arrived together in a van said it was their first time voting and that they "couldn't have picked two better issues to support."

Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment to enshrine women’s right to choose abortion. However, Issue 2 is an initiated statute, which Ohio’s Gov. Mike DeWine has threatened to overturn, repeal or alter if it passes.  

Ground Zero For Culture Wars

One young woman among the college students stressed that important school board elections on Tuesday’s ballot are equally important.

“School boards are ground zero of the culture wars,” she said. “The conservatives want to remove books from the libraries, isolate transgender students and refuse to offer classes on race issues.” 

Now Read: Synthetic THC In 50% Of Ireland's Cannabis Edibles Lure Children, Forensic Scientists 'Sinister' Findings

Photo courtesy of Maureen Meehan