OHIO — Results for Ohio's special election show voters rejected Issue 1, preserving the process to amend Ohio's Constitution, the AP projects. 

The measure would have made amending the Ohio Constitution more difficult, raising the number of signatures needed to pass a constitutional amendment to 60% of the vote. 

As it stands, only a simple majority will need to pass a constitutional amendment, meaning 50% of voters plus one.

Lawmakers and officials from around the state are reacting to the results. 

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters said the rejection of Issue 1 is an "important victory" for the state, but the work is far from over.

"Over the next 90 days, we’ll continue working to move our state forward and to protect abortion rights. Together, with the majority of Ohioans who believe in protecting reproductive rights, we’ll tell corrupt politicians trying to strip away our freedoms and pass a total abortion ban: we won’t go back,” said Walters. 

Congressman Greg Landsman, D-Cincinnati, made a simple statement: "Democracy won in Ohio tonight."

Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, said all eyes should be on the November election now.

“The people of Ohio have spoken. It is now time to turn our attention to November. As a 100% pro-life conservative, we must defeat Issue 1 on November 7 to stop abortion from being a part of our state’s constitution," Stephens said.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, said she was proud to stand with the majority.

"Today, Ohioans sent a clear message: one person, one vote must remain a bedrock principle in a representative democracy," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. "I was proud to stand with a clear majority in voting No on Issue 1 as outside interests and the Ohio legislature attempted once again to undermine the rights of each and every Ohioan - just as they did with the criminal bailout of First Energy, as they did in passing illegally gerrymandered districts to enshrine their rule, and now again in this attempt to silence citizen led initiatives. Today, we protected Ohio's constitution. Tomorrow, the fight continues."