For 111 years, Ohioans who couldn’t get politicians to listen to them have had a straightforward way to try to bring about change. They can sidestep the governor and lawmakers to amend the state constitution on their own.
By gathering several hundred thousand signatures from around the state, they can put issues on the ballot and, with the support of a simple majority, put new policies in place. Under this system, abortion rights advocates have placed a measure on the November ballot that would guarantee access to abortion in a state where restrictions at around six weeks of pregnancy have been put on hold by a judge.
But Ohio Republicans, who control both chambers of the state legislature and have sought to restrict access to abortion, are trying to make the process more difficult. They scheduled a special election for Tuesday with just one issue on the ballot: Should constitutional amendments require the support of 60 percent of voters rather than a simple majority?
To pass, that measure needs just a simple majority. If it’s approved, future ballot initiatives — including the abortion measure — will need to achieve the new, higher threshold.
Supporters of abortion rights and other advocates for keeping the citizen initiative process intact have accused Republican lawmakers of trying to thwart the will of the majority and weaken voters’ voices. Republicans and opponents of abortion have defended their call for the special election, arguing that there should be a high bar for amending the state constitution, just as there is for modifying the U.S. Constitution. They argue that voters still would have a say in state policy under their plan and contend that they want to prevent out-of-state groups from wielding outsize influence in Ohio.
In essence, Ohio voters are grappling with a confluence of two hot-button ideas: the fate of abortion rights and, when it comes to citizens’ ability to change the state constitution, the future of an important tool of democracy.
i fact democrats dont use these simple lines for simple minds baffles me more
This video is the best explanation I've ever seen for why Democrats act the way they do, always equivocating "to be fair" instead of playing as dirty as the Republicans do to win. (It's worth rewinding to the beginning if you have the time, or if you're really in a hurry start at 7:43.)
Here is an alternative Piped link(s): https://piped.video/MAbab8aP4_A?list=PLJA_jUddXvY7v0VkYRbANnTnzkA_HMFtQ&
https://piped.video/MAbab8aP4_A?list=PLJA_jUddXvY7v0VkYRbANnTnzkA_HMFtQ&
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i just knew this was gonna be innuendo studios. I can't recommend their catalog highly enough.
Ha, I think about that too. But then I feel that only shows that Democrats don't need to use scare tactics on their voters. I also don't see as many No signs up. They are around where I'm at, but not as much as Yes. I'm hoping that means there are enough descent minded folk who understand the issue should be voted No without paying money and showing a sign to say so.
It's nice how Democrats don't make their views so forced down your throat like Republicans.