David Voth, Elisha Bush, and Ryn Farmer of Bluffton are advocating for Issue 1's passage on the November Ohio ballot.  They are also leaders in the local Crime Victim Services agency.

The photo is of Voth speaking at the kick-off of Issue 1 at the Ohio Statehouse along with the founder of MADD Ohio, Andrea Rehkamp, and Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien.  Voth and Rehkamp were Co-Chairs of the first Ohio constitutional amendment for victims rights passed by Ohio voters in 1994 by a 78% margin.

Three reasons they support Issue 1:
1) It re-places the current constitutional amendment for victims rights, Section 10a, with up-to-date language and rights, including adding mandatory orders of restitution for offenders to pay victims back, as well as consideration of victims safety and privacy.

2) Issue 1 protects these rights in the constitution, again, rather than only in law, since laws can be changed at any time and without notice to victims and victim advocates.

3) Issue 1 provides victims with the right to be heard if their rights are violated.  A right without a remedy is just a privilege, and now judges are unclear if victims have standing to be heard.  This clarifies that victims can be heard, but victims will not control decisions of prosecutors and judges. In other states that have passed this language, proceedings actually are fewer and quicker once victims voice is heard and delays are reduced.

Voth said that Issue 1 will not take rights from offenders, just insure victims can be informed, present, and heard during the critical hearings as they seek justice and recover from the trauma of the crime. 

He added that Issue 1 will add practically no costs, according to the Ohio Office of Budget and Management. The Prosecutors and Sheriffs from  Allen and Putnam Counties have also endorsed Issue 1.