Healthcare referendum passing in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- A referendum that would bar mandated health insurance in Ohio was on its way to victory Tuesday.

With about 750,000 votes counted, 65 percent voting supported Issue 3, The Plain Dealer reported. The Cleveland newspaper said the measure had widespread support, carrying every county that had reported its vote.

The measure's language says it will "preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their healthcare." But the Obama healthcare plan and its individual mandate would still be law in the state, assuming it survives an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Critics said the language of the referendum is so vague it could ban schools from requiring students to be immunized against diseases like measles.