If you know anything about us, you know a core part of our mission is to help Ohioans engage with their government. It's why we knock on your door, call you on the phone and present you with information and actions you can take to make Ohio an even better place to live.

Well, your right to participate in your government is under attack. Under House Joint Resolution 6 proposed by Sec. of State Frank LaRose and Rep. Brian Stewart, citizen-led ballot initiatives for constitutional amendments would now need 60% of the vote to pass instead of a simple majority.

Ohioans have the power of direct democracy in three ways: through citizen-led constitutional amendments, initiated statutes, and referendums. Only Ohioans and citizens in 14 other states possess these tools to check the power of state government. As lawmakers fall more out-of-step with the will of everyday voters, tools like this become more precious and their defense more important.

Please fight to protect direct democracy with a generous year-end gift today.

LaRose argues increasing the vote threshold will make it harder for special interests to "disturb" the constitution. The truth is, increasing the threshold means special interests will be the only ones who can afford the extra lift.

Special interests don’t need ballot initiatives to forward their agendas. HB6 proved that.

Time is running out in the lame duck session and this resolution is poised to fly through the legislature. We will not stand by and let this happen. In fact, we're already field and phone canvassing to stop it.

Please join us in opposing House Joint Resolution 6 with your contribution today

Thank you,

Melissa English, Ohio Citizen Action, Development Officer
http://www.ohiocitizen.org/

P.S. If you're considering a tax-deductible gift to Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund this year, please look into a matching gift from your employer. Thank you!