OHIO — Ohio voters are being asked to decide whether or not it should be harder to amend the state’s constitution. The state will hold a special election on Tuesday, Aug. 8, on Issue 1, a proposal which would change the rules for enacting new constitutional amendments — effective immediately if the issue is approved by voters.

Tuesday, July 11, marked the first day Ohio voters could cast their ballots on Issue 1, and voters have already begun doing so at the Preble County Courthouse.

According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, the proposed amendment would:

•Require that any proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio receive the approval of at least 60 percent of eligible voters voting on the proposed amendment.

•Require that any initiative petition filed on or after Jan. 1, 2024, with the Secretary of State proposing to amend the Constitution of the State of Ohio be signed by at least five percent of the electors of each county based on the total vote in the county for governor in the last preceding election.

•Specify that additional signatures may not be added to an initiative petition proposing to amend the Constitution of the State of Ohio that is filed with the Secretary of State on or after Jan. 1, 2024 proposing to amend the Constitution of the State of Ohio. If passed, the amendment will be effective immediately.

In an official argument for Issue 1 prepared by Representatives Brian Stewart and Senator Rob McColley, the two note, “A ‘yes’ vote on Issue 1 protects our Constitution from deep-pocketed, out-of-state interests. By passing Issue 1, the People will ensure constitutional changes are widely accepted and declare that Ohio’s Constitution is not for sale. Currently, special interests target Ohio, seeking to inject their own personal views and objectives into our state’s most sacred document. Why? Because Ohio is one of the few states that allow these interests to directly enshrine their social preferences and corporate motives into the Constitution at the same threshold as everyday laws. Common sense tells us that this should not be the case. Instead, our constitutional rights should be broadly supported and shielded from well-financed special interests. Voting yes on Issue 1 strengthens our Constitution by:

“•Elevating the standard. By raising the threshold for constitutional amendments to 60percent, the People will ensure amendments have widespread support and tell special interests that our Constitution is not up for grabs. This will protect Ohio’s Constitution similar to the way the U.S. Constitution has been protected since our country’s founding.

“•Empowering people across Ohio. By requiring signatures from voters in every county, special interests will no longer be able to cherry pick where they gather signatures. Instead, starting Jan. 1, 2024, a diverse and representative population of Ohioans will determine whether proposed amendments appear on the ballot.

“•Eliminating second bites at the apple. By restricting do-overs on signature submissions, starting January 1, 2024, special interests will have one chance to play by the rules when gathering signatures to place proposed amendments on the ballot. We, the People, must have our voices heard on Aug. 8. Empower yourself and your fellow Ohioans. Protect the Constitution. Vote yes on Issue 1.”

An official argument against Issue 1, prepared by Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson and Vernon Sykes and Representatives Dontavius Jarrells, Bride Rose Sweeney, and Dani Isaacsohn notes: “Vote ‘no’ on Issue 1. This amendment would destroy citizen-driven ballot initiatives as we know them, upending our right to make decisions that directly impact our lives. It takes away our freedom by undermining the sacred principle of ‘one person, one vote’ and destroys majority rule in Ohio.

“Last year, Ohio politicians eliminated August special elections saying, ‘Interest groups often manipulatively put issues on the ballot in August because they know fewer Ohioans are paying attention.’ And yet here we are, voting in August on just one question: should Ohio permanently abolish the basic constitutional right of majority rule? Special interests and corrupt politicians say yes. They don’t like voters making decisions, so they’re trying to rewrite the rules to get what they want: even more power.

“Here’s why we’re confident Ohio citizens will resoundingly vote ‘no:’

“•Issue 1 ends majority rule: It means just 40 percent of voters can block any issue, putting 40 percent of voters in charge of decision-making for the majority.

“•Issue 1 shreds our Constitution: It would permanently undo constitutional protections that have been in place for over 100 years to check politicians’ power at the ballot box.

“•Issue 1 takes away our freedom: It would destroy citizen-driven ballot initiatives as we know them, guaranteeing that only wealthy special interests could advance changes to our constitution.

“• Issue 1 applies to all issues: If this amendment passes, it will apply to every single amendment on any issue Ohioans will ever vote on – you name it, just 40 percent of voters will decide. We all deserve to make decisions that impact our lives. We must protect our freedom to determine our future, not permanently change our constitution to give up our rights. Vote ‘no.’”

Local polling changes

The Preble County Board of Elections announced last month there will be a permanent polling location change in New Paris beginning with the Tuesday, Aug. 8 Special Election.

Those who previously voted at Valley’s Edge Lodge will now vote at Hobo Junction, 110 Melody Lane in New Paris.

All voters in the affected polling location have been sent notification by mail from the BOE office detailing their new polling location and address. Contact the Preble County Board of Elections, 937-456-8117 or [email protected], with any questions.

Early voting hours

Ballots can be cast at the Preble County Courthouse, 101 E. Main St., during the following times: Monday, July 17-Friday, July 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday, July 24-Friday, July 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday, July 31, 7:30 a.m.- 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m; Wednesday, Aug. 2-Friday, Aug. 4, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 6, 1-5 p.m.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.