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Opponents Say Ballot Access Restrictions Threaten Democracy

Ohio Public Radio

Community organizers are rallying against a bill that would make it harder for citizens to put an issue on the statewide ballet. 

They say the measure would deliver a huge blow to democracy. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.  

The House resolution would shorter timeframes for signatures and raises the threshold for voter approval to 60% majority. 

 

Catherine Turcer with Common Cause Ohio says Ohioans who have testified against the resolution know the benefit of having access to the ballot.

 

Turcer: “What you’re going to do is make the direct democracy that was intended for ordinary citizens, something that only the super wealthy can do.”

 

Supporters say the most recent ballot issues have already been backed by rich donors from out of state and this measure would clamp down on that.

 

 

 

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