Stop Rolling Back Democracy in Ohio, No on HJR 1 and SJR 2

Ohioans deserve the ability to make direct change through citizen-led ballot initiatives and weigh in on important issues that impact their lives. HJR 1 and SJR 2 make this process unnecessarily difficult and would enshrine minority rule into our state constitution, undermining the sacred principle of one person, one vote. Citizens spend months gathering signatures to place an initiative on the ballot, understanding the dedication it takes to advocate for progress. Since 1912, only 19 out of 71 citizen-initiated constitutional amendments have passed in Ohio. That’s a 27% success rate. The people of Ohio take their responsibility as voters seriously and know the significance of reforming the Ohio Constitution. Increasing the passage threshold to 60% and eliminating majority rule in our state is unfair, unpopular, undemocratic, and unnecessary. Despite a citizenry evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, Republicans command supermajorities in the Ohio House and Senate. The legislative maps used to elect our legislature were ruled unconstitutional gerrymanders in a series of 4-3 rulings. Brazenly, the legislature ignored the rulings and waited out the calendar. Now you want to take yet another step away from democracy and towards fascism. Protests and civil unrest may ensue if you continue down this path. Stop taking power away from the people. Say no to HJR 1 and SJR 2.