Since 1912, Ohioans have used citizen-led ballot initiatives to have a direct say in our government, but now, with House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR1) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2), Secretary of State Frank LaRose, State Rep. Brian Stewart, and Senators Theresa Gaverone and Rob McColley are trying to make the process much harder.

Our access to the ballot is the only thing that allows us to push back when the gerrymandered legislature is unresponsive to the needs and concerns of the majority.

Both HJR1 and SJR2 would require a 60% “YES” vote to pass a constitutional amendment. In addition, HJR1 would make it harder for issues to get onto the ballot by requiring signature collection in all 88 counties and removing the “cure period,” after signatures are turned in when a campaign is allowed to go back out and collect more to try to make up for a shortfall. To make matters worse, lawmakers are also proposing we handle this at a special August election when voter turnout is traditionally low. This cynical attack on our democracy is unfair, unpopular, undemocratic, and unnecessary.

Take Action Today to Defend One Person, One Vote in Ohio

• Make calls to key lawmakers urging them to vote NO on HJR1 or SJR2
  • Look up your state Representative and Senator and make constituent calls.
  • Call Phil Plummer, the new Chair of the House Constitutional Resolutions Committee, at (614) 644-8051.
  • Call Jason Stephens, Speaker of the House, at (614) 466-1366.
  • Call Governor Mike DeWine: (614) 644-4357 or (614) 466-3555.
• Send an email to lawmakers.
• Write a letter to the editor. Send an email to cturcer@commoncause.org if you want some help.
• Use this Digital toolkit to help get the word out on social media.
• To testify in Opposition to HJR1 on Wednesday, April 19 at 9 am you must submit your testimony and a form to the Chairman’s Office 24 hours before the hearing.
  Submit the completed witness information form and written testimony (limited to 5 minutes) as a PDF attachment by 9 am on Tuesday, April 18 by email to: OHRConstitutionalResolutionsCommittee@ohiohouse.gov
• Attend HJR1 hearings on April 18 (proponent) & 19 (opponent and possible vote) at 9:00 am, House Constitutional Resolutions Committee, in Room 017, near the Statehouse Museum.
• Is your organization signed on? Check here: Statewide opposition from more than 215 organizations.

Helpful Resources

• Learn more about House Joint Resolution 1 and Senate House Joint Resolution 2.
• Learn more about Ohio’s ballot history.
• Check out this message guidance.
• Read op-eds written by Mike Curtin describing the history, purpose, and importance of preserving citizen-led ballot initiatives.

“I protest against any theory that would make of the constitution a means of thwarting instead of securing the absolute right of the people to rule themselves.” President Theodore Roosevelt at Ohio’s 1912 Constitutional Convention