Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Early voters are continuing to pour in across the Mahoning Valley during the second week of the early voting period for Ohio Issue 1.

If passed, Issue 1 would increase the voting requirements to amend Ohio's constitution, changing it from 50% + 1 majority rule to a 60% supermajority.

21 News checked back in with the Boards of Elections in all three counties in the Mahoning Valley, with each reporting mostly steady numbers compared to last week.

Mahoning County Board of Elections Director, Tom McCabe tells 21 News things have slowed down in the second week, but only slightly. However, during the first few days of early voting, Mahoning County reported an average of 220 to 250 voters per day.

McCabe went on to say turnout was better in the first week alone than the total turnout for 2022's August special election. McCabe expects a 20 to 25% total turnout by the end of the early voting period.

When compared to the 2022 Ohio gubernatorial election, McCabe says he doesn't expect numbers to be nearly as high as that, as Mahoning County usually reports a 40 to 45% turnout for those.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Penrose of Trumbull County tells 21 News that turnout is slightly higher than when early voting began, but would be more inclined to say it's steady.

When comparing turnout to early voting at this time during the November 2022 gubernatorial election, numbers are slightly higher this time around by about 40 voters.

However, Penrose is taking into account a legal holiday that fell around this time during that election.

When it comes to the future, Penrose says she expects turnout to remain steady or even get busier throughout the remainder of the early voting period.

In Columbiana County, Board of Elections Deputy Director, Bryce Miner tells us turnout is increasing in increments with Monday, July 17 showing the highest turnout yet of 110 voters.

However, this is at a lower pace compared to the November 2022 gubernatorial election.

Miner says he predicts the final numbers to be similar to those of odd year general elections which usually show between 20 to 30% voter turnout. 

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