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At the voter registration deadline earlier this week, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said there are nearly 8 million registered voters here. Ahead of the Aug. 8 special election regarding Issue 1, however, LaRose does not appear confident there will be a representative number of Buckeye State residents making the decision for everyone.
"We're doing all we can to get the word out, to make sure people know. But I'm not going to predict numbers. I wouldn't be surprised if it's similar to what we saw in last year's primary that was held in August," LaRose told Statehouse News Bureau.
Voter turnout for last August's primary was 7.9%.
Such a dismal turnout when it comes to deciding a matter as important as Issue 1 is simply unacceptable.
Issue 1 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that would increase to 60% the standard for initiating and passing a constitutional amendment.
One could argue proponents of Issue 1 are counting on very low voter turnout -- while the percentage needed for change remains 50% plus one vote -- to implement the stricter requirements.
But no matter whether a voter is a proponent of making it harder to change the state constitution or believes the standard should remain as it has stood since 1912; or even whether a voter believes this amendment is meant to block a specific amendment down the line, low voter turnout is bad for Ohio and Ohioans. Those on both sides of the issue should be encouraging as many voters as they can to make their voices heard.
After all, the idea is to measure the will of Buckeye State voters and proceed accordingly, right?
Issue 1 is a significant proposed change for Ohio. It requires YOUR input. Registered voters must not miss the opportunity to weigh in, either via absentee ballot, early voting, or at the polls Aug. 8.