The fight over Issue 1 continues, both in the hearts of voters and the courtroom. Issue 1 is a proposal to make it harder to amend the state constitution by raising the threshold for amendment from a simple majority to 60%.
On this week's episode of Snollygoster, Ohio's politics podcast from WOSU, host Steve Brown discusses this ongoing controversy with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
What's at issue?
Republican backers of Issue 1 say it's necessary to keep deep-pocketed interest groups out of the constitution. They argue that these groups can spend millions of dollars to sway voters, and that this gives them an unfair advantage.
Democrats, on the other hand, see Issue 1 as an attempt to take away one of their final ways of having a big effect on state government. They argue that the current system allows for a more democratic process, and that raising the threshold to 60% would make it too difficult for ordinary citizens to get their voices heard.
As of this writing, Issue 1 is still set for an August 8 election. However, there are two lawsuits against it. One lawsuit claims that the way the measure was put on the ballot with a resolution and not actual legislation is illegal. The other lawsuit says that the ballot language is deceptive and misleading.
It remains to be seen whether Issue 1 will pass. However, the fight over it is sure to be heated in the coming months.
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