Trending
Editor, News-Register:
I firmly believe Ohio voters should vote no on Issue 1 on Aug. 8. By voting no on Issue 1, you will ensure the majority will still rule in Ohio.
If you're a Democrat, Republican or independent, this vote is not about political parties or any candidate. It is all about keeping in place what all Ohioans have had for over 110 years, where a simple majority 50% plus one gave the citizens of Ohio the right for checks and balances of our state government.
Since 1912, there have been 71 citizens petitions placed on the ballot in Ohio. Only 19 have passed the 50% plus one. Of the 106 legislative amendments placed on the Ohio ballot, only 56 have passed the simple majority 50% plus one.
The vote on Issue 1 will affect every Constitutional Amendment not only on Aug. 8, but for every year going forward. If this issue passes, it will affect every generation to come. If you think by voting yes, it will protect potential future ballot issues, please remember we do not know what issues could be on the ballot in the future. If Issue 1 would pass then the majority 50% plus one will never again allow you to have a voice or say in whatever the issue may be about in the years to come. Ohioans have undergone too many wars to preserve our democracy and freedom and the majority will always rule cannot give that right up on Aug. 8.
The out-of-state, right-wing backers along with big business, special interest groups and power-hungry elected officials all want you to vote yes for changing the 50% plus one rule to 60%. Why hold a special election on Aug. 8, in the middle of summer and vacation time that will cost Ohio taxpayers $20 million? The very same current Ohio legislature that recently passed a bill that forbids special elections because of very low turnout, high cost and unfairness to Ohio voters and taxpayers has now scheduled a special election on Aug. 8 for Issue 1.
Please do not be fooled by misleading ads about what Issue 1 is all about. It is very simple. Vote no and let the majority of the people continue to rule by 50% plus one. Do not allow 40% to control important ballot amendments and initiatives into the future.
John Saunders
USW Staff Representative, District 1
Martins Ferry