Ohio GOP proposes anti-democratic resolution to silence Ohio voters

COLUMBUS – Today, House Democratic Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) condemned a proposed resolution by Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) that would make it harder for Ohioans to amend the constitution. The measure would require a supermajority, or 60%, of Ohio voters to pass a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment instead of a simple majority.

“Once again, Republicans want to change the rules to increase their own stranglehold on power,” said Leader Russo. “This is an attempt to erase the voices of Ohio voters and intentionally create barriers between citizens and their democracy.” 

Democrats say this is yet another attack on democracy by Ohio Republicans. This morning, the House Government Oversight Committee held a third hearing on the Ohio Anti-Voter bill, HB 294, which would erode Ohioans’ freedom to vote by limiting access to ballot drop boxes, reducing the number of early voting days and implementing convoluted voter identification requirements.

“We know why they’re doing this: They want to stop all challenges to their power grab, but the people will not let it happen. The people will not vote to silence themselves on issues like workers’ rights, voters’ rights, and abortion rights,” said Rep. Sweeney. “The reckless arrogance of an unchecked GOP supermajority is on full display. It’s difficult to imagine being so afraid of the popular will when they already have such a rigged monopoly on power.” 

Republicans have also previously refused to abide by redistricting constitutional amendments overwhelmingly passed by Ohio voters. Despite Ohio voters passing redistricting constitutional amendments in 2015 and 2018 by more than 70%, Republicans on the Ohio Redistricting Commission, including LaRose, passed and implemented unconstitutional, gerrymandered state legislative and congressional maps this year.