Ohio Republicans tried the same election-rigging trick as South Dakota Republicans did in 2022: anticipating a vote on a constitutional amendment they didn’t like (abortion rights in Ohio, Medicaid expansion in South Dakota), Republican legislators rushed an amendment of their own (Issue 1 in Ohio, Amendment C in South Dakota) to a special election to require a 60% vote to approve subsequent amendments.
Fortunately, just like South Dakota voters, Ohio voters chose democracy over Republican minoritarian vote-rigging, but not by as much. With nearly all the votes counted, Ohio’s Issue 1 has failed, with 57.01% of Ohio voters voting No. South Dakotans rejected Amendment C with a 67.43% No vote.
Ohio Issue 1 won majorities in 66 of 88 counties; it took strong opposition from all six major metros (Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron) to kill Issue 1. South Dakota Amendment C failed in 65 of 66 counties, with 19 counties rejecting C with more than 70%, higher than the No percentages in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen.
Ohio voters did turn out in greater numbers to thwart this Republican attack on democracy. Turnout for the Issue 1 vote was 38.48%. 32.09% of South Dakota voters turned out for the June 2022 vote on Amendment C.
But a win is a win, so Ohio voters will have the chance to enact constitutional protections for reproductive rights, including access to abortion, in November with a simple majority vote.
The Guardian discusses public enemy number one’s manipulation of the First Amendment to drive the authoritarian’s agenda.
They want power and do not care about a democratic republic or serving the will of the people.
https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/aug/09/leonard-leo-federalist-society-manipulates-free-speech
Scott Galloway unintendedly offers a companion discussion (1 hour): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otyoPiVAicI
And recall that Peter Turchin’s, publisher mis-titled, End Times, comes to similar documented conclusions that only the votes of the 1%ers matter as they lead congress, the president, and courts around by their noses.
Both states want democracy, even though both Ohio and South Dakota vote for Republicans like the latest greatest eye candy!
The mechanism for democracy is still working. Too bad both states vote for such low quality representation.
We can do better. Better ideas, better people needed!
Despite South Dakota’s reputation for conservatism, it is important to recognize the centrist leanings of its voters. Their pragmatism, diverse perspectives, and desire for practical solutions shape their political choices. While their legislators may not always reflect these centrist tendencies, understanding the disconnect is crucial for any analysis of South Dakota’s political landscape.
– AI generated ~ fully curated & edited by P. Aitch
A voting glitch at a single election location has spawned magat theories of voter fraud in Ohio.
https://www.rawstory.com/cuyahoga-falls-voting/
Tools never give up their lying fantasies.
P.Aitch–while South Dakota has always been “right of center” in politics, that same conservatism tends to influence voters to reject proposed changes in our traditional election system.
E.P. Onion: the precedent has been sent. Every single election loss and every single ballot defeat will lead to a bunch of lunatics screaming about conspiracies now.
@Arlo – Is that because South Dakota conservatives are analytical or because South Dakota voters are just naturally contrary or something else.
We the People will keep plugging away to make it harder to adopt those expensive spending bills. If wr had accepted in 2022, Medicare expansion would have failed. Now we will do all we can to not utilize state sales taxes and property tax dollars for Medicare. Force the Feds to pay 100%…sooner than Later we will implement budget restrictions on voters.
Driving medical providers out of South Dakota is a stupid idea.
That Minnesota rejected a merger with a South Dakota health care system should be a wake up call to every voter.
Amazing how a minority of registered voters manage to win so many elections with less than 50% of the votes cast and still call themselves “We the people”.
Mike Z. Here’s your assignment – learn the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Someday, you WILL use one.
Mike Zitterich, what is your objection to “expensive spending bills?” By your previous posts, I get the picture you are doing well. Is it the helping those in need that you object to, or that those who have more than they need may be asked ti kick a bit more into the coffers?
The immense wealth of this nation is being put poorly to use. The 1% must live in constant fear that democracy will catch up to that sentiment.