Ohio Senate Joint Resolution 2

On May 10, the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 2. This Resolution aims to raise the threshold percentage to enact a constitutional amendment via a ballot measure from 50 to 60 percent of the vote, thereby making it more difficult for Ohioans to amend their state’s constitution. This is the latest reckless attempt by politicians to take power away from the people in Ohio as they assume the people have too much ability in directing their rights. Additionally, the bill would change the number of required signatures to place a matter on the ballot from five percent of all voters in 44 counties to five percent in all 88 counties. The bill would also eliminate the ten-day “cure” period when those submitting signatures for ballot initiatives can submit additional signatures when they fall below the required number due to rejected signatures.

As opposition to the Resolution grows, the ACLU of Ohio stated that supporters of Senate Joint Resolution 2 “have not offered any compelling reasons to change Ohio’s current ballot initiative process and law.” As the bill will not go before the people of Ohio until August, organizations such as the ACLU have time to conduct voter outreach in opposition of the bill. However, the question then becomes, why attempt to pass this bill now? In the November elections, Ohio voters will have the chance to vote on whether abortion should be legal or illegal. Lawmakers hope that by passing Senate Joint Resolution 2 in August, voters will be unable to make abortion legal a mere four months later. According to Civiqs, Ohio is one of three states using the ballot measures approach to address abortion rights that have the most support for legal abortion.

As voting rights are at risk, Rideshare2Vote will be in Ohio in August 2023, helping ensure every vote is cast. We aim to ensure that Ohioans are heard this year and maintain the ability to make their own decisions regarding their rights.

by Delany Doggett