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House approves special election to vote on changes to Ohio constitutional amendment process

Protestors gather in the Statehouse rotunda before House’s expected vote on a resolution to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments.
Jo Ingles
/
Statehouse News Bureau
Protestors gather in the Statehouse rotunda before House’s expected vote on a resolution to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments.

On a largely partisan vote of 62 to 37, the Ohio House has voted to call for a special election to make it harder to amend the state constitution, by requiring the approval of 60% of voters, instead of the 50 percent plus one standard in place since 1912. Mionority leader Allison Russo says the higher threshold will allow a minority to stymie amendments approved by a majority of Ohioands

"This resolution will shred our constitution. It will end majority rule in our state. And it will snuff out the principle of one person, one vote. And should it not be the lagacy of this General Assembly."

The measure was introduced last year, but failed to gain traction before the end of the session. It was revived earlier this year, but supporters failed to make the deadline for the May primary. It's been a bitter and acrimonious few months. Supporters say the resolution would protect Ohio's constitution from special interests who want to buy their way into the constitution, like casinos and groups that want to legalize marijuana. Critics say it actually empowers well-fuinded outside groups, at the expense of Ohio voters. But bill sponsor Rep. Brian Stewart says approval to hold a special election - by itself - decides nothing.

"This is not the end of the debate. It is the beginning. If you agree with SJR 2, go make the case to Ohioans. If you disagree with SJR 2, go make the case to Ohioans."

In addition to raising the threshold for voter approval to constitutional amendments, the proposal requires citizen groups to get voter signatures from all 88 counties, instead of 44, to place something on the ballot. And it would eliminate a 10-day period that petitioners are granted to replace any invalid signatures.

Critics have say supporters have rushed to get process changed before a reproductive rights amendment makes it to the november ballot.

A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.