Terra Goodnight · August 27, 2024

What Voters Need to Know: Ohio Supreme Court

The upcoming races for three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court present a critical opportunity for progressives to influence the state’s judicial landscape.

Our research, including a March 2024 survey of 594 Ohio adults and June 2024 focus groups with potential ticket-splitters, reveals significant insights into voter awareness, attitudes, and effective messaging strategies. This guide synthesizes these findings to help progressive organizations effectively educate and persuade voters, with a particular focus on engaging ticket-splitters. 

Understanding Voter Knowledge and Attitudes

Given their inclination to carefully consider their options, undecided voters, political independents and potential ticket-splitters represent a crucial group that progressives need to engage and persuade in the upcoming Ohio Supreme Court races.

• Low Awareness of Ohio Supreme Court Races: Most voters, including those who are politically engaged, lack a clear understanding of the Ohio Supreme Court’s role and the impact of its decisions. This knowledge gap, which is most prevalent among undecided voters and those open to splitting their ticket, leads many voters to skip judicial races on the ballot or default to party-line voting based on limited information.
• Disillusionment with the Political System: Ticket-splitters—voters who do not consistently vote along party lines—express growing disillusionment with politics. They are frustrated by extreme partisanship, distrustful of “career politicians,” and deeply concerned about corruption and nepotism in government. They worry about the influence of politics, money, and special interests on judicial decisions. High-profile scandals, such as the Householder corruption case, have heightened these concerns.
• Priorities of Ticket-Splitters: Ticket-splitters prioritize qualities like independence, honesty, impartiality, and fairness in candidates. They value judicial experience and a demonstrated commitment to upholding the law without political bias. Key issues for these voters include cracking down on corruption, protecting constitutional rights, ensuring access to abortion, and tackling crime effectively. Additionally, some ticket-splitters value diversity in age, gender, and race among the judiciary.

What Voters Need To Know

• Role of the Court: Voters need to know that the Ohio Supreme Court plays a critical role in shaping state law, protecting rights, and making decisions that affect their daily lives. The court’s influence extends to areas like healthcare, education, workers’ rights, and reproductive rights. It’s essential for voters to recognize the significance of who sits on the bench, as these decisions have long-term impacts.
• Awareness of the Election: Many voters are unaware that Ohio Supreme Court seats are up for election. It’s important to communicate that these elections are happening and that their vote in these races is crucial. Emphasizing that their participation can shape the future of Ohio will help create a sense of urgency.
• Highlight Experience and Judicial Ratings: Experience and competence are key factors for ticket-splitters and independents. Voters are more likely to support candidates who have a proven track record as judges and who are highly rated by respected institutions. Highlighting a candidate’s years of service, judicial ratings, and significant accomplishments will resonate strongly with these voters. When creating visuals, think of ways to show experience and competence, like visuals with the candidates in judicial robes.
• Emphasize the Issue of Abortion: Abortion continues to be a decisive issue, especially for those who may consider splitting their tickets. Voters are moved by candidates’ stances on reproductive rights, and this issue is particularly relevant in light of ongoing legal challenges in Ohio. Clearly communicating where each candidate stands on reproductive rights is crucial, as this remains a key driver of voter behavior.
• Balanced Messaging for Moderates: Voters respond best to a balanced narrative that includes both the strengths of the candidates and the potential risks of electing others. While highlighting a candidate’s experience and competence is important, it’s also effective to subtly address concerns about issues like legal integrity and public safety. This approach helps create a sense of urgency and encourages thoughtful consideration without overtly attacking opponents.