Betty Montgomery spoke at a rally last week against Issue 1 that is on the ballot for the August 8th special election. It was heartening and encouraging hearing an extremely accomplished lifelong Republican speak with courage and integrity about this issue. 50% plus one equals democracy, 60% plus one allows minority rule.
Issue 1 is a blatantly authoritarian proposal that has been placed on the ballot by our Republican State legislators. At this time the citizens of Ohio can initiate a referendum to amend the Ohio Constitution with a 50 percent plus one vote. If Issue 1 is approved the requirements will change to 60 percent plus one. The 40% minority that will not want an initiative will always win under this proposal.
The politicians who are pushing this initiative have elected to put this on the August ballot. They are fully aware that very few people vote in Special Elections; in fact, eight percent of registered Ohioans voted in the 2022 August Special Election. It is also noteworthy that Issue 1 only requires 50 percent plus one to pass. The proponents of Issue 1 clearly feel that there should be one last democratic decision before we kick in to 60 percent plus one. The proponents of this proposal have been shameful, deceitful and manipulative.
This is a shameless power grab that needs to be rejected. Let’s not make Ohio a laboratory for autocracy. Election Day is August 8th and early voting is already underway. Please vote in this special election and, in the name of preserving democracy, please vote NO on Issue 1.
John Zanfardino
Bowling Green
