Letter to the editor from Holly Norton, President of the League of Women Voters of the Lima Area.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. Issue 1 is a direct attack on voting rights and equal representation. That is why we are urging voters to vote NO on this issue. 

Ballot issues give citizens the freedom to make laws when politicians fail us. Issue 1 restricts our freedom and takes away our rights. It permanently shreds our Constitution, ends majority rule in Ohio, and takes away our right to decide what happens here by undermining the sacred principle of “one person, one vote.” This amendment will make it harder for voters to pass ballot issues by changing the rules to require 60% to pass. Just 40% of voters could veto any measure, and if this amendment passes, it will apply to every single amendment on any issue Ohioans will ever vote on – you name it, just over 40% of voters will decide. Does that look like a majority to you?

Special interests spent millions lobbying politicians to call this special election when there was already an election in November – and it worked. This August, Ohio voters have just one question on their ballot: Should we permanently abolish our right to majority rule? Why August? Because fewer people vote in August. This is a special election for special interests and, and we are all paying for it. Vote No on August 8th.

Holly Norton

President, League of Women Voters of the Lima Area

Amendment report https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/2023/spec/issuereport.pdf