The Towns Go For Pot

An analysis of precinct level data show how Issue 2 faired in Miami County.

Even in the most routine elections, analyzing precinct-level results can reveal fascinating insights. These datasets provide a narrative of voting patterns and the commonalities (or differences) among the communities in our county regarding their support for specific candidates or issues.

A prime example is this year's Issue 2, a ballot measure proposing a significant expansion of cannabis use beyond current regulations here in Ohio. Through the initiative referendum process, Issue 2 proponents secured a convincing victory last Tuesday, with a 57% to 43% margin. Notably, the measure garnered substantial backing across Ohio, from major urban counties like Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton to smaller, rural ones, including Lawrence, Meigs, and Hocking in the Appalachian region. Even Vinton County, Ohio's least populous, approved the measure by a 52% to 48% margin.

In-Depth Analysis: Miami County

In contrast, Miami County saw Issue 2 narrowly defeated, 52% to 48%. Despite the close race, the measure won in 38 of the county's 88 precincts, which warranted a closer study of the precinct-level data.

An initial review of precinct data revealed a significant trend: in Bradford, Issue 2 passed by a 57% to 43% margin – a notable 14-point lead in a small village. This pattern was echoed across the county's villages, where support for Issue 2 consistently outperformed the overall county results. Focusing on four villages – Bradford, Covington, Pleasant Hill, and West Milton – voters gave varied responses. Bradford and West Milton approved the measure (57% and 52%, respectively), while Covington and Pleasant Hill rejected it. Collectively, these four villages narrowly defeated Issue 2 with a 50.3% to 49.7% margin, a difference of just 17 votes.

Conversely, the county's cities showed stronger support for Issue 2. Among the four cities, including the Huber Heights area of Miami County, three endorsed the issue. Piqua led with 57% support, winning 14 of 16 precincts. Troy followed, carrying 16 of 21 precincts with a 52% majority. Tipp City and Huber Heights showed more divided results, with Issue 2 narrowly failing in Tipp City and marginally succeeding in Huber Heights. Combined, these cities backed Issue 2 with a 53% to 47% vote.

However, Issue 2 struggled significantly in the county's 31 rural townships, failing to win any and garnering only 43% support overall. While three precincts (Bethel South Central, Concord East and Staunton North) exceeded a 49% approval rate, none achieved a majority.

Rural vs. Urban Divide

This election vividly highlights a distinct rural/urban divide in Miami County. Such clear-cut geographical voting patterns are rare in countywide issues. Residents of cities tended to favor Issue 2, those in villages were divided, and rural township voters largely opposed it.

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