To the editor:
Currently, Ohioans have enjoyed a 50 percent-plus-one majority rule when we vote on ballot issues. However, the Ohio Legislature has scheduled a special election on Aug. 8 to increase that majority to 60 percent before any change can be made to the Ohio Constitution. Just a few months ago, our Republican legislators voted there would be no more August elections, but they tried to revoke that rule and didn't get the votes to overturn it, but are holding an election anyway. This is lawlessness on top of lawlessness. They want to steal your voice by making it harder for a voter initiative to move forward to make changes.
This special election didn't have to be about abortion. However, one of the most corrupt Statehouses in the country, according to the FBI, doesn't want to see you vote for reproductive rights in November, for fear that it just may pass. Why can't there be an up and down vote in November? They (the Republican-led Statehouse) don't trust you. That's why. The most corrupt Statehouse in the history of Ohio does not trust you.
This is the Statehouse that has defied every court order to reorganize the voting maps. The former speaker is going to prison for possibly 20 years for bribery and he wasn't the only one accepting the tainted money. Instead of coming up with at least one reform to improve ethics in government, they would rather prosecute those they oppose, and would rather go after women going out of state for reproductive care whether for an abortion or to treat miscarriages as suggested by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
The proponents on the yes side say they are protecting the constitution, months before a citizen led ballot initiative. How hypocritical. Nothing could be less American. Voting yes on Issue 1 is making it harder for you to have a voice.
Why the special election? Why not have a referendum on the ballot in November and let the voters decide? They don't trust you to vote their way, that's why. So, who do you trust? Do you trust yourself over the corrupt politicians in Columbus who are stealing your voice by making it almost impossible with this 60 percent threshold? Or, do you want to trust yourself and make your vote count? Voting yes on Issue 1 will take your voice away on every issue that may come forward in the future.
By the way... the Ohio secretary of state has just announced that enough signatures were obtained to put the reproductive referendum on the ballot in November. On Aug. 8, it's up to us to decide on whether the threshold will remain at a simple majority of 50 percent plus one or increase to 60 percent. Vote no on Aug. 8 if you want to save your voice. Then let the voters decide in November.
Kathy Antinone
Steubenville