Extremist Politicians Seek to Silence the Voice of the People with Passage of Undemocratic SJR 2

COLUMBUS – House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today denounces the passage of SJR 2 by the Ohio House of Representatives. House Democrats stood with the people today and unanimously voted against the undemocratic, unfair, and unpopular resolution that will shred Ohio’s Constitution. 

“This was a dark day for democracy, but the battle has only just begun. Now until election day, we will dial up the fight to protect our Constitution, protect our sacred right of ‘one person, one vote,’ and protect our freedom to decide what happens in Ohio,” said Leader Russo. “Extremists and special interest groups might hold the majority of House Republicans hostage, but the people and their Constitution aren't for sale. The people will remember who sold out democracy today, and the people will defeat this measure at the ballot box.” 

The constitutional restriction would destroy more than 111 years of direct democracy that Ohioans have used to achieve their goals when unresponsive politicians would not listen. The resolution now heads to an August special election. If passed, Ohioans would lose their freedom to determine the future of the state as 40% of voters could block initiatives the majority of people want. The resolution’s supermajority vote requirement for future constitutional amendments would tilt the scales of democracy away from voters and toward well-funded, out-of-state, dark-monied special interests.