SJR 2 Torches Ohioans' Freedom to Vote, Capitulates to Out-of-State Dark Money Groups

COLUMBUS – House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) denounced today’s advancement of SJR 2 from the House Constitutional Resolutions Committee. The measure would shred our constitution, eliminate the sacred principle of “one person, one vote,” and introduce economic chaos to Ohio. The resolution passed by a 7-6 vote.

“SJR 2 is a blatant attempt by extremist Republicans and billionaire-funded special interest groups to rewrite the rules and take away the freedoms of Ohioans who disagree with them,” said Leader Russo. “Ohio leaders should not advance this undemocratic, unpopular, and unfair proposal any further. They will face the backlash from Ohioans who have clearly told us they do not want this. Together, we will continue to fight for the will of the voters to be heard and to put people first.”

The proposed constitutional restriction would destroy more than 100 years of direct democracy that Ohioans have used to achieve their goals when unresponsive politicians would not listen. Under the proposed restrictions, 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 proposed 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.