To help make sure all Ohio voters can make an informed decision (instead of no decision at all), here’s a good site to check out for info. on all 5 of the state issues on the ballot Nov. 8th. This site has the official wording you’ll see in the voting booth, a “normal” explanation, plus arguments for and against each issue:
And for your convenience, here’s a summary of each issue (from the Secretary of State website, my attempt to stay non-biased):
State Issue 1 (Jobs)
This amendment creates and preserves jobs, enhances educational opportunities, and improves the quality of life and general well-being of people and businesses in all areas of Ohio by improving local government public infrastructure, expanding Ohio’s research capabilities to promote product innovation, development and commercialization, and preparing economic development sites and facilities in Ohio. It declares that local government public infrastructure, and financial assistance for research and preparation of economic development sites and facilities in Ohio for and in support of industry, commerce and distribution (all referred to together as “development purposes”) are public purposes.
State Issue 2 (Voting)
Long lines at voting booths in recent years, inclement weather and work demands of Ohioans have discouraged some citizens from voting on Election Day. Issue 2 will make voting more convenient and easier for all Ohioans. Currently, only a few categories of persons are permitted to vote early by absentee ballot.
Issue 2 will allow all Ohioans to vote by mail.
Issue 2 will allow all Ohioans to vote in person at their local board of elections.
Issue 2 will allow Ohioans to vote up to 35 days prior to Election Day
Issue 2 will make voting more convenient and increase the opportunity to vote.
Issue 2 will increase voter participation by Ohioans in elections.
Increased participation in elections will make government more accountable to the people of Ohio and combat undue influence by a few and the corruption that currently pervades state government.
State Issue 3 (Political Contributions)
Ohio’s state government has become mired in scandal. A “pay-to-play” culture – reflected in “Coingate,” undisclosed golf outings, and ongoing federal and state investigations – permeates state government. The endless drive to raise campaign money has tempted too many to cross ethical lines.
Rather than limiting the influence of big money, the General Assembly made the problem worse last year by raising individual contribution limits from $2,500 to $10,000! The legislature also lifted a ban on corporate contributions to political parties.
Issue 3 will restore reasonable contribution limits and reduce the influence of big money in government. Under this amendment, individual contributions will be limited to $2,000 per election for statewide candidates and $1,000 per election for state legislative candidates. The ban on corporate contributions to political parties will be restored.
The current influence of big money contributors in state government has corrupted government. Ohio’s sky high contribution limits only widen the gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” making it increasingly difficult for average citizens to compete in the public arena. Government stops listening to the average citizen and only hears the big money contributor.
Big money allows special interests to shape policy and exercise greater influence over legislators than the voters who elect them. One need only look to the scandals that now plague Ohio.
State Issue 4 (Independent Redistricting)
Issue 4 will help make politicians more accountable and responsive to constituents.
Issue 4 will combat corruption in state government by making politicians listen more to constituents and less to big donors and special interests.
Issue 4 designates an independent, non-partisan commission to draw legislative districts with a goal of making the districts competitive, while preserving communities and minority rights.
The independent commission will replace the current system, which allows politicians to draw the districts to serve their own partisan interests. Currently, using sophisticated computer models, the political party in power manipulates the districts to maximize the number of seats it is likely to win and minimize the number likely to be won by the opposing party. The result is “safe seats” where incumbents almost never lose.
Consider these shocking statistics, which reflect the problem nationally and in Ohio:
- In 435 U.S. House races last year, only 13 seats changed party;
- In Ohio, every Congressman and State Senator up for election was re-elected and only a handful of State House incumbents lost;
- In Ohio, the average margins of victory were 44 points in Congressional races, 35 points in State Senate races, and 38 points in State House races.
As one commentator states, “Competitive elections for the state legislature and Congress, with a handful of exceptions, no longer exist in Ohio.”
Issue 4 will restore accountability by making elections meaningful again and in so doing make corruption less likely. Applying strict criteria in the amendment and considering proposals from the public the independent commission will maximize the number of competitive districts in Ohio and enhance the influence of all voters in the electoral process.
State Issue 5 (Board of Elections)
In recent elections, public confidence in the fairness of the election process has been undermined by actions of the Secretary of State. Citizens need to have trust and confidence restored in their electoral system.
Issue 5 will restore public confidence by replacing the Secretary of State as the state’s chief elections officer with a bi-partisan board of elections supervisors similar to the local county boards of elections. If a bi-partisan system is good enough for all 88 counties, it should be good enough for Ohio as a whole.
Issue 5 will lessen partisanship in the administration of elections in Ohio at the state level.
Issue 5 will prevent those who are involved in administering elections at the state level from mixing personal political agendas with their public duties.
Issue 5 will create a bi-partisan board with 9 appointed members—4 appointed by the Governor, 4 appointed by Members of the General Assembly of the opposite party and one member appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court.
Issue 5 will not create another layer of bureaucracy in State government. Money now used for this service could be transferred to the state board of elections.
Issue 5 will not replace the bi-partisan county boards of elections that currently administer and will continue to administer elections at the local level.
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