10/15/2024
Much has been written about Issue 1. I just received an email from my state senator, Kristina Roegner, that summarizes the issue well and links to the 22-page proposed constitutional amendment. I trust Senator Roegner, so I know her summary is accurate:
This November, Ohioans will make important decisions in many important races and will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on Issue 1.
Issue 1 is a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio that will repeal the 2015 and 2018 constitutional ballot initiatives that created protections against gerrymandering and were approved by nearly three-quarters of Ohio voters. Despite Issue 1 being touted as an attempt to end gerrymandering, it will actually require gerrymandering by placing emphasis on drawing districts to favor either of the two major parties based on past election results.
Issue 1 will also create a taxpayer-funded commission that is unelected and unaccountable to Ohio voters. This commission will be chosen by an unnamed private hiring firm and a screening panel comprised of four retired judges, leaving Ohioans like you and me out of the selection process! Issue 1 will require the General Assembly to appropriate a minimum of $7 Million for the commission’s operational costs with adjustments over time for inflation. Additionally, the General Assembly will be required to appropriate at least $875,000 for operational expenses incurred by the screening panel with adjustments for inflation and an unlimited amount for any litigation incurred by the commission and screening panel to spend taxpayer funds with zero oversight.
For these reasons, I will be voting "NO" on Issue 1 in November. I would encourage you to review the full text of Issue 1, which can be found here:
