The group “Protect Our Constitution” has launched a new TV ad in support of Issue 1, an Ohio ballot initiative that would require petition-based statewide constitutional amendments to pass with 60 percent of the vote, not simple majorities.
“Our Founders developed the best governing document in human history the U.S Constitution,” says the ad. “They knew to carefully set the minimum threshold for changes at 66 percent, but in Ohio our constitution allows special interests to amend it with just a 50 percent vote.”
“That's way too easy our fundamental rights can be wiped away by corporate greed,” the ad says. “Let's set the bar at 60 percent and be wise like the founders. Vote yes on Issue 1.”
Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) tweeted in support of the ad, writing, "Ohio should adopt a 60% threshold for our state Constitution to protect against outside special interests."
Stewart joins U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R-Ohio) in supporting the Issue 1.
A coalition of left-leaning advocacy groups opposes the initiative, including Black Lives Matter Cleveland, Black Lives Matter Dayton, Pro-Choice Ohio, Black Out and Proud, the Cleveland Bi+ Network, Columbus New Liberals, Democrat Socialists of America-Cleveland, Ensuring Parole for Incarcerated Citizens, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, and the Ohio Communist Party.
Including Ohio, currently 15 U.S. states allow for statewide initiatives to change their constitutions, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Dakota.
Illinois, Arizona and Florida have 60 percent vote thresholds; Colorado's is 55 percent.
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