“You are engaged in framing a constitution under and in accordance with which the people are to get and to do justice and absolutely to rule themselves.” -Theodore Roosevelt, “Speech at the 1912 Ohio Constitutional Convention.”
I’m not writing this letter to address the ballot issue in November, but to discuss misinformation concerning Issue 1 this August.
Ohio has gone through four constitutional conventions, the most recent being 1912. The 1912 Ohio Constitutional Convention has been viewed by some as “the most outstanding single event in the political evolution of the state of Ohio.”
Along with Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Williams Jennings Bryan, Hiram Johnson, and Judson Harmon spoke in support of the changes in 1912, in which 33 of 41 amendments put forth were approved.
A few amendments that were passed included: Eight-hour work day for public works employees, organization for boards of education, laws regarding the welfare of employees, such as minimum wage and work hours, and workers’ compensation system. Eighteen of the 33 were passed by simple majority, including the controversial amendment we are grappling with today: Ohio Simple Majority Vote for Constitutional Amendments Measure.
Since 1914, 228 amendments have been proposed to the Ohio Constitution, with 125 passing by simple majority. One hundred and six of 157 from the General Assembly; whereas, 19 of 71 from Citizen Initiatives. Lawmakers have proposed over twice the amendments enshrined today.
In order for the General Assembly to add a constitutional amendment on the ballot, “A three-fifths vote in favor of the joint resolution is required for its passage.” Since 1990, the General Assembly has put forth 26, with 23 passing. Whereas 10 of 23 Citizen Initiatives have passed. Why is it fine for an amendment to originate in the statehouse, then be passed by a simple majority, but unacceptable for voters in Ohio to put forth a ballot initiative and pass it with a simple majority?
It’s strange how Ohio’s General Assembly and Governor enacted HB 458 to eliminate August elections, then changed their minds a month later. It’s strange how this format to amend the state constitution has been in place for 111 years, but now Ohio’s Constitution is under attack by outside influence. ProPublica and The Columbus Dispatch have reported that Illinois billionaire Dick Uihlein has poured millions into “Save Our Constitution” PAC ads to vote yes on Issue 1. Is all outside influence bad, or is some outside influence better than others?
Roosevelt stated at the same 1912 Convention, “If there must be decision by a close majority, then let the people step in and let it be their majority that decides.” I agree with Mr. Roosevelt, and that is why I’m voting no.
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