Trending
To the editor:
On August 8, there will be a special election to consider a constitutional amendment that would result in sweeping and undemocratic changes to the rights of citizens to propose and amend Ohio's constitution through the ballot initiative process. A process that has been in place for 111 years.
Issue 1 is the brainchild of a group of Republican politicians who have decided that the time has come to take power away from voters. They have decided this change is so urgent the state should spend $20 million for an almost unheard of August election rather than putting the issue on the ballot in a November general election.
They are, of course, banking on the lowest possible voter turnout to decide an issue that will radically change the initiative process. This fact alone should set off alarms that they are up to no good. they will take away your power for your voice to be heard on issue such as reproductive rights and gerrymandering.
Currently, a simple majority vote is necessary for the approval of a proposed amendment. Issue 1 does away with this principal that has served Ohio well for 111 years and would now require a 60% yes vote for the approval of any future amendments. Beyond the undemocratic 60% rule Issue 1 makes the process of even getting a proposed amendment on the ballot much more onerous.
Currently for an amendment to reach the ballot, petitioners must obtain the signature of 5% of the voters in 44 counties. Issue 1 would require a 5% signature rate in all 88 counties. The proposed amendment would also do away with the 10 days granted petitioners to obtain additional signatures if enough of the original signatures are found to be invalid.
A recent letter to the editor from a prominent local Republican contended that the passage of Issue 1 was necessary to "protect" Ohio's constitution. There are numerous vote "yes" signs around the area that also proclaim a hes vote will protect the constitution. Nothing could be further from the truth. Issue 1 would be the most radical change to the constitution in 111 years. The letter write also raised the specter of left wing activists using the ballot initiative process to take over the state. This exhibits a mistrust of the citizens of Ohio. Does he really think that 51% of Ohio voters can be tricked in passing a radical leftist agenda? This simply hasn't happened in the 111 years the initiative process has been in place and is not going to happen in the future.
Ohioans of all political persuasions need to vote "No" on August 8. Do not give up your power to have your voice heard. Do not hand over this right to a group of power-hungry politicians. Vote "No" on August 8.
MICHAEL A. VARISH,
Wellsville