Washington, D.C. — Today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed Senate Joint Resolution 2, which would raise the required threshold percentage to enact a constitutional amendment via a ballot measure from 50 to 60 percent of the vote and would make it more difficult for Ohioans to amend their state’s constitution. The measure will now go on the ballot in a special August election this year.  

John Bisognano, President of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), released the following statement: 

“Restricting the ability of the people to amend their state’s constitution undermines our representative democracy, where policy should reflect the views of the majority of the voters. Undemocratic efforts to restrict ballot measures aren’t just happening in Ohio. This is part of a growing pattern in states across the country where Republicans control the legislature. From Arkansas, to Florida, to Missouri, Republican-led legislatures are pursuing efforts to restrict ballot measures where possible to further limit democratic participation where the maps are already gerrymandered. Between gerrymandering and this concerted effort to restrict ballot measures, it’s clear that Republicans are willing to do anything they can to force their unpopular policies onto the people. Such shameful attacks on our democracy will not be tolerated. It is incumbent upon everyone to pay attention and stay engaged to stop these efforts and ensure the people have power over the policies that govern them. ” 

 

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