Educate yourself on Issue 1 before voting

Letter to the Editor,

Ohio law provides the opportunity for citizens to petition both for laws and constitutional amendments to be placed upon the ballot. Currently, the Ohio Constitution allows 50% plus one to pass an amendment. The first part of Issue 1, which is on the Aug. 8 ballot, would change that to 60% (slightly under two-thirds). This is the same amount required at the national level to amend the United States Constitution.

Republicans argue this would prevent outside factions from being able to “buy” or greatly influence an Ohio election, as it may be easier to influence 51% of the legislature rather than 60%. Democrats say this prohibits a majority vote and will deny special interest groups from having a say in an Ohio election. This is totally false. It is ironic “special interest” groups like Planned Parenthood and other organizations are currently flooding Ohio to influence Ohio voters in an Ohio election to vote against an issue that would prevent them from influencing an Ohio election as easily as they do now.

Keep in mind Issue 1 applies to only constitutional amendments, not common laws. The process of amending the constitution is difficult. If a bad law is passed by the legislature, the same governing body may overturn it or change it without citizen involvement. However, the same cannot be done with an amendment. In order to change or rescind an amendment, another amendment must be proposed and voted on.

The second portion of Issue 1 pertains to the number of Ohio votes required to pass a new amendment to the constitution. Currently, Ohio’s constitution requires 10% of the number of Ohio voters in the previous gubernatorial election in 44 of the 88 counties must vote in the affirmative to pass an amendment.

Currently, political parties, special interest groups, out-of-state factions and industry can finance an issue in Ohio where 10% of Ohio voters in only half of the state are required to vote in the affirmative. One component of Issue 1 would change that to 5% of Ohio voters in the previous gubernatorial election in all 88 counties are required to vote in the affirmative. This would make it difficult for outside influence and special interest groups to sway a constitutional amendment in Ohio. It would provide for a voice from the entire state of Ohio, allowing for a true one Ohio citizen-one Ohio vote.

Many have received mailers that have appeared confusing. I certainly have. I had to do a great deal of research on the issue after receiving a postcard in the mail stating Issue 1 would do the exact opposite of what the actual amendment says. Please read the wording of the amendment. Understand what it would do and do not be swayed by sources that are not presenting the truth. Voting is hard. It requires work. Educate yourself before Aug. 8. It is far too late to realize an error on Aug. 9.

Jason Anderson

Wooster

Letters to the Editor are accepted by email at mplant@alonovus.com. Writers are allowed one letter every 30 days, and letters should include name and address (address not published) and be 500 words or less. AloNovus Corp. reserves the right not to publish and to edit forclarification purposes.