I am writing to urge you to call your legislators and ask them to vote NO on House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR 1), a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to raise the threshold to pass citizen-led Constitutional Amendments in Ohio from a simple majority (50% plus one) to a super majority (60%).

Ohio Citizen Action strongly opposes this resolution as it would make it even more difficult for citizens to create or change their own laws. 

HJR1 is a blatant attempt to control both the policy agenda and the process of direct democracy

It is nothing more than a power grab that makes it harder for citizens to employ a check on the state legislature.

I urge you to call these members of the House Constitutional Resolutions Committee to voice your opposition today.

Rep. Brett Hillyer (614) 466-8035 

Rep. D.J. Swearingen (614) 644-6011

Rep. Adam Mathews (614) 644-6027

Rep. Ron Ferguson (614) 466-3735

Rep. Jim Thomas (614) 466-8030

Ohioans from across the political spectrum have utilized the right to amend our Constitution via the petition process. We must protect these tools of direct democracy and not take them for granted or see them as tactics that can be modified on a whim. Late last year, lawmakers passed House Bill 458, eliminating August special elections. Now, just a few short months later, the legislature is proposing to reinstate those special elections just to vote on HJR 1 and promote their own agenda.

Our voices deserve to be heard. Remind these legislators that they were elected to represent their voters, not to change the rules to erode our rights. Tell them to please vote NO on House Joint Resolution 1.