Issue 1 – common-sense resolution

Dear Editor:

On August 8th, a special election will be held to raise the threshold for amending the Ohio Constitution from 50% voter approval to 60%. Normally, I would oppose raising the bar on citizen-led ballot initiatives, but the political landscape has very much changed. Now, well-funded outside organizations can come to Ohio, pay canvassers to collect signatures for any measure they want.

It should be noted our U. S. Constitution has only been amended 27 times in its history because of high standards. Two-thirds of Congress must approve an Amendment and three-fourths of the States are needed for ratification. In contrast, Ohio’s Constitution has been amended nearly 200 times because of low standards, an open invitation for any unreasonable proposal.

Currently in Ohio, the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and the Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights have spearheaded the “Abortion Ballot Initiative” for the November ballot. It would enshrine abortion in the State Constitution and abridge parental rights in many areas. Voting “Yes” on Issue 1 could help the “Abortion Ballot Initiative” to fail as it should.

Issue 1 is a common-sense resolution to elevate the standards to amend Ohio’s Constitution. Voting “Yes” on Issue 1 will most importantly protect the right to life of the unborn and in addition Ohioans’ liberty and freedoms. Vote “YES” on Issue 1 on August 8th!

Sincerely,

Mary Gigandet

Versailles