Simone Lawson
Ohio Issue 1, a 2023 ballot measure, would have amended the state constitution to require a 60% voter approval threshold for constitutional amendments, up from a simple majority of 50%. This would have made Ohio the state with the highest voter approval requirement to pass citizen-led constitutional amendments, tied with Florida. The proposal also aimed to eliminate the 10-day cure period for campaigns to gather additional signatures if their initial submission lacked sufficient valid signatures. Supporters of the measure, such as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Senate President Matt Huffman, argued that it was necessary to counter what they perceived as an increase in far-left ballot proposals. Opponents, including House Minority Leader Allison Russo, criticized it as a power grab by politicians that would silence the voices of Ohioans. The context of the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the state added another layer to the debate, with some suggesting that the measure was strategically timed to block a potential abortion-related initiative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ohio Issue 1, 60% Vote Requirement to Approve Constitutional Amendments Measure |
| Year | 2023 |
| Voter Approval Requirement | 60% |
| Previous Voter Approval Requirement | 50% +1, a simple majority |
| Number of Counties Required for Petition Signatures | 44 out of 88 |
| New Number of Counties Required for Petition Signatures | All 88 |
| Percentage of Total Vote Required from Each County | 5% |
| Cure Period | Eliminated the 10-day cure period |
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What You'll Learn
Ohio Issue 1
The ballot measure also sought to eliminate the 10-day "cure period" that allows campaigns to gather additional signatures for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments if their initial submission did not have enough valid signatures. Additionally, signatures would be required from all 88 counties in Ohio, with each county providing signatures equal to at least 5% of the total vote cast for the governor's office in the previous gubernatorial election.
Support for Ohio Issue 1 came from organizations like the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Farm Bureau, and Buckeye Firearms Association. They cited the need to address potential future constitutional amendments related to business regulations, wages, firearms, hunting, and agriculture. State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-12) also supported Issue 1, expressing concern over the increase in "far-left ballot proposals" and the ease of accessing the ballot.
Opponents of Ohio Issue 1, such as House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-7), characterized it as a "power grab" by politicians aiming to diminish the influence of citizens in the constitutional amendment process. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, encouraged voting against Issue 1 to ensure that Ohioans' voices and votes are valued.
Ultimately, Ohio Issue 1 was defeated, with 54.78% of voters against it and 46.22% in favor. The defeat was celebrated by conservative groups and anti-abortion organizations, who viewed it as a rejection of special interests and a potential overreach by liberal elites.
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Citizen-led initiatives
The process of citizen-led initiatives in Ohio, also known as the ballot initiative process, empowers citizens to address issues they believe are not adequately covered in the state constitution. To propose a constitutional amendment in Ohio, citizens must follow specific procedures outlined in the Ohio Constitution and Revised Code. The current requirements for a citizen-led initiative to amend the Ohio Constitution include securing a simple majority (50% +1) of state voter approval. Additionally, signatures from a diverse geographical range of Ohio's 88 counties are necessary. Specifically, signatures must be collected from at least 44 counties, and within each of these counties, the signatures must amount to at least 5% of the total votes cast for the governor's office in the previous gubernatorial election. The Secretary of State is responsible for validating the signatures no later than 105 days before the election.
However, a recent development known as "Issue 1" aimed to introduce a significant change to the citizen-led initiative process in Ohio. This proposal sought to increase the voter approval threshold for constitutional amendments initiated by citizens. Specifically, it proposed raising the required percentage of state voter approval from a simple majority of 50% to a supermajority of 60%. This change would have made Ohio one of the states with the highest voter approval requirements for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.
The proposal, which included eliminating the 10-day "cure period" for campaigns to gather additional signatures, faced opposition from various organizations and individuals. Critics viewed it as an attempt by the state legislature to consolidate power and make it more challenging for citizens to enact changes through the ballot initiative process. Supporters of Issue 1, such as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Farm Bureau, and the Buckeye Firearms Association, argued that it was necessary to counter what they perceived as an increase in "far-left ballot proposals." Despite the debate surrounding Issue 1, it's important to note that the Ohio Constitution has always been designed to be more comprehensive and amenable to regular change compared to the US Constitution, which requires supermajorities to amend.
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Abortion rights
In November 2023, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizens the right to abortion access. The ballot measure, known as Issue 1, gives individuals the right to "make and carry out one's own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to abortion". This amendment overrides laws passed by the Republican-dominated legislature to restrict abortion access.
The outcome of the vote was a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates and a blow to abortion opponents. It was also a busy election night across America, with voters deciding on governors, mayors, and reproductive rights. The vote in Ohio was particularly notable as it was the only abortion question on any state ballot that year.
However, despite the approval of the amendment, there are ongoing efforts to restrict abortion access in Ohio. Some Republican lawmakers have vowed to "do everything in their power" to prevent the amendment from being implemented, and there have been attempts to strip the judiciary of its jurisdiction over the abortion amendment. These actions demonstrate a rejection of the democratic process and the system of checks and balances.
The fight over abortion access in Ohio continues, with court cases and proposed legislation potentially impacting providers and patients. Despite these challenges, the constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights in Ohio has gone into effect. Abortion rights supporters celebrate this victory, but remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine reproductive freedom in the state.
Overall, the approval of the constitutional amendment in Ohio represents a significant step forward in protecting abortion rights and reproductive freedom in the state. It serves as a vital testing ground for battles over abortion rights in the upcoming years.
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Support and opposition
Support for Ohio Issue 1 came from organisations like the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Farm Bureau, and Buckeye Firearms Association. Supporters of the proposal cited other potential future constitutional amendments related to business regulations, wages, firearms, hunting, and agriculture. State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-12) claimed that Issue 1 was necessary due to an increase in what conservatives might view as "far-left ballot proposals". Senate President Matt Huffman (R-12) also supported the measure, acknowledging that the timing was influenced by the November issue.
Hannah Ledford, Campaigns Director at The Fairness Project, offered a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging that while abortion rights were a significant factor, the implications of Issue 1 extended beyond that single issue.
Opponents of Ohio Issue 1 characterised it as a "power grab" by a "gerrymandered, unaccountable legislature" seeking to centralise power among politicians rather than the people. House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-7) described the proposal as eliciting outrage from citizens. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, encouraged voting against Issue 1 to ensure that the voices and votes of Ohioans carried weight.
The proposed amendment also faced criticism for its potential impact on important provisions in the Ohio Constitution. For instance, in 1912, an amendment to end nepotism and cronyism passed with 59.9% of the vote, just shy of the 60% threshold that Issue 1 would impose.
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Historical context
Historically, citizens of Ohio have been able to propose statutes or constitutional amendments and collect signatures to place their proposals on the ballot for voters to decide. The percentage of state voters who would have to vote "yes" to pass future proposed amendments is currently a simple majority of 50% +1. Petition signatures must be obtained from at least 44 of the 88 counties in Ohio, with signatures from each of these counties totalling at least 5% of the total vote cast for the office of governor in the previous gubernatorial election.
In 2023, Ohio Issue 1 proposed to increase the percentage of state voters required to pass future proposed amendments from 50% to 60%, with signatures required from all 88 counties in Ohio. This amendment would have made Ohio the state with the highest voter approval requirement to pass citizen-initiated constitutional amendments, alongside Florida.
Supporters of Issue 1, such as the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Farm Bureau, and the Buckeye Firearms Association, cited potential future constitutional amendments related to business regulations, wages, firearms, hunting, and agriculture. State Rep. Brian Stewart (R-12) argued that Issue 1 was necessary due to an increase in what he characterised as "far-left ballot proposals". Senate President Matt Huffman (R-12) also suggested that the timing of Issue 1 was a response to recent political developments.
Opponents of Issue 1, such as House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-7), characterised the proposal as a "power grab" by politicians seeking to limit the influence of citizens in the legislative process. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, similarly argued that voting against Issue 1 was necessary to ensure that "Ohioans' voices are heard and Ohioans' votes are counted".
The historical context of Issue 1 is also shaped by the broader debate around abortion. While supporters of Issue 1 denied that abortion was a factor, opponents argued that it was a tactic to block a potential abortion rights amendment. Hannah Ledford, Campaigns Director at The Fairness Project, highlighted the potential impact of Issue 1 on abortion rights, suggesting that it was "about abortion" and part of a broader political strategy.
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Frequently asked questions
Ohio Issue 1 is a ballot measure that would require 60% voter support to amend the state constitution, as opposed to a simple majority.
Currently, a simple majority (50% +1) of state voters must vote "yes" to pass amendments. Petition signatures must be obtained from at least 44 of the 88 counties in Ohio, with each of those 44 counties providing signatures equal to at least 5% of the total vote cast for the office of governor in the last gubernatorial election.
Ohio Issue 1 would make it more difficult to amend the state constitution by increasing the required voter support from a simple majority to 60%. It would also eliminate the 10-day "cure period" during which campaigns can gather additional signatures if their initial submission does not have enough valid signatures.
Opponents of Ohio Issue 1 argue that it is a power grab by politicians that will make it harder for citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. They also believe that it is specifically designed to block a pro-abortion amendment from being added to the state constitution. Supporters of Ohio Issue 1, such as State Rep. Brian Stewart, argue that it is necessary to counter what they perceive as an increase in "far-left ballot proposals."
Ohio Issue 1 was on the ballot in August 2023.
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