Hamilton County’s Young Democrats gathered in a rally outside the Hamilton County Board of Elections early voting center on Sunday. This rally coincided with the final day of early voting for the August election. The focal point of this election is Issue 1, which, if passed, would increase the majority needed to amend the constitution from 50% to 60%. In addition, it would also require signatures from all 88 counties in Ohio instead of just 44.
During the rally, Democratic state representative Rachel Baker expressed her concerns about Issue 1. Baker stated that Republican lawmakers strategically scheduled this issue for an August election in order to prevent Ohio voters from overruling them if they passed unpopular legislation statewide. She emphasized the significance of one person, one vote and argued that Issue 1 is an attempt to diminish the power of everyday people.
David Pepper, former state Democratic Party Chair, echoed Baker’s sentiments, describing Issue 1 as an attack on the power of the people of Ohio. He questioned why anyone would willingly give away their power and emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of the citizens.
On the other hand, Alex Triantafilou, current Republican Party Chair, defended Issue 1 by stating that it is necessary to make Ohio’s founding document more rigid. Triantafilou pointed out that the state’s constitution has been amended numerous times before, and a yes vote on Issue 1 would prevent legislation through constitutional changes. He argued that if voters want to make or change laws, they should elect representatives who can craft legislation in the state house, rather than amending the bedrock document of the state.
Early voting for the August election ended at 4:00 p.m., and polls will reopen on election day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters will cast their ballots at their assigned polling locations during this time. A majority of 50% in favor of Issue 1 would result in its inclusion in the state constitution.
