Hicks-Hudson Statement on Ballot Board Abortion Initiative Decision

COLUMBUS – Today, state Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) released a statement after the Ohio Ballot Board certified the language of the ballot initiative to protect abortion rights.

"The certification of the language brought before the board today represents a victory for democracy by allowing citizens to participate in the legislative process, as well as an important step toward protecting the fundamental rights of women," said Hicks-Hudson, a member of the Ohio Ballot Board. “While there is still work to be done, I’m pleased that members of both parties were able to unanimously agree that the proposal is valid to appear on the ballot in November, should it receive the required number of signatures.”

The Ohio Ballot Board is responsible for certifying ballot language for any proposed constitutional amendments. Once the Ohio Attorney General’s office certifies that the language of a proposed amendment is “fair and truthful,” the Ballot Board must certify an initiative contains only one proposal before going on the ballot. After the language is certified by the Ballot Board, citizens can begin collecting signatures to place the amendment on the ballot.