Ohio voters pass Issue 1 and Issue 2 by large margins

Ohio voters passed statewide Issue 1 on cash bail and Issue 2 on non-citizen voting by sweeping margins Tuesday, with each receiving more than 77% of the vote. Both become effective immediately upon election certification.

Issue 1 allowed voters to determine if judges should be required to consider public safety when setting bail amounts. It effectively amends the Constitution and requires Ohio courts, when setting bail, to consider public safety, the person’s criminal record, the likelihood the accused will return to court and any other factor the Ohio General Assembly decides.

Issue 1 also removes the authority of the Ohio Supreme Court sets the procedures for establishing the amount and conditions of bail.

Issue 2 prohibits local governments from allowing non-citizens, or non-electors, to vote. It would require that only a U.S. citizen, who is at least 18 years of age and who has been a legal resident and registered voter for at least 30 days, can vote at any state or local election.

Given laws that are already in place, the law mainly impacts cities and towns. There are laws that already ban non-citizens from voting in federal, state, and county elections.

For full percentage and vote total breakdowns, please visit the Ohio Secretary of State website here.