What is Issue 1 and YES…it Does Matter to Ohio!

On Tuesday, August 8, Ohioans have a chance to tell out-of-state special interests that our Constitution is not for sale. Unlike the U.S. Constitution, the Ohio Constitution can be easily changed. Currently, only a simple majority vote of the electorate—50 percent plus one vote—is required to amend Ohio's governing document, making it one of the easiest in the country to manipulate. Because of the low threshold to amend the Ohio Constitution, multiple organizations outside of Ohio are attempting to pass an amendment later this year to remove parental rights, notification and consent and legalize abortion up to birth in our state. Increasing the threshold for passing these citizen-initiated proposals would create stronger safeguards for Ohio's legislative processes. A YES vote on Issue 1 would: · Elevate the threshold to amend the state Constitution to 60% of the vote in an election. This better unites Ohio's citizens. · Require that signatures be collected from all of Ohio's 88 counties—instead of just 44—for a proposed Constitutional amendment initiative to make the ballot. This provides full equality for our entire state. · Ensure that all valid signatures for a proposed Constitutional amendment be submitted on the specified due date and that additional signatures cannot be submitted after the deadline. This fosters improved accuracy and therefore efficiency in valid signature collection and use of State resources. Constitutions are for enshrining ideals that are broadly accepted (ideals that unite us)…like 60%. Not a simple majority that is barely accepted and nearly divides us…like 50% + 1 vote. Strong constitutions support and protect states, businesses, parents and children. As for me and my family, we choose unity and strength. Vote "YES" on Issue 1 Aug. 8!