Published July 27, 2023

What is Ohio State Issue 1?

Issue 1 would make updating or amending Ohio's laws and Constitution more difficult.

Proposed changes would need a larger number of votes in order to pass instead of simple majority.

Amendments to the Ohio Constitution would require a 60% majority of voters to vote for it as opposed to the current simple majority requirement of 50%+1 vote.

FOR EXAMPLE...

Say that Ohio citizens will vote on whether we should fix the potholes on the highways.

Right now, if there are 8,000,000 people voting, then 4,000,001people voting YES will mean that Ohio will fix the potholes.

If State Issue #1 passes, then 4,800,000 will need to vote YES in order for Ohio to fix the potholes. Even if 4,799,999 voters said YES, Ohio would NOT fix the potholes.
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Graph depicting the 799,999 difference in vote volume required for a proposal to pass

State Issue #1 would also affect civilian-led petitions. It would make civilians' proposals to the amendment or laws more difficult to be accepted by the Secretary of State.

CURRENTLY...

Petitions must collect signatures from at least 44 of Ohio's 88 counties in order to be accepted by the Secretary of State.

If the General Assembly fails to pass the proposed law, passes it in amended form, or takes no action at all, the petition can collect more signatures so that it can be submitted to Ohio voters in the next general election.

Screenshot 2023-07-27 094638

IF ISSUE 1 PASSES...

Petitions must collect signatures from at least 5% of voters in each of Ohio's 88 counties in order to be accepted by the Secretary of State.

Petitions will no longer be able to submit additional signatures after it is filed to the Secretary of State.

All of Ohio is shaded in except for one county to represent how many counties voted in favor of a proposal but still cannot pass the proposal with Issue 1's changes.

VOTE NO ON ISSUE 1 ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023