A victory for democracy in Ohio
Posted August 08, 2023 in Press Releases
Policy Matters joins thousands of Ohioans celebrating the defeat of Issue 1
Ohio voters have soundly rejected Issue 1, which would have effectively eliminated the citizen-initiated ballot measure in the state. Hannah Halbert, executive director of Policy Matters Ohio, issued the following statement in celebration of the measure’s defeat:
“Ohio voters showed up to defeat Issue 1, reaffirming the people’s right to check legislative power and advance policies that make Ohio better for all of us, not just the wealthy few.
“Ohio voters have used this power to defeat extremist anti-worker legislation, protect worker compensation programs, raise the state minimum wage and index it to inflation. By rejecting Issue 1, Ohioans have preserved the principle of majority rule for November’s general election, when the right to have an abortion will be on the ballot.
“Issue 1 was a blatant power grab. Proponents attempted to change the rules of the constitution because they know their policy interests run counter to those of the majority of Ohioans. Entrenched politicians and insiders are on the wrong side of the issues, from abortion care to fair districts. Policy Matters’ own modeling showed the same divide across issues like fair taxation, care response, and participatory budgeting.
“Faced with disinformation by Issue 1 proponents, grassroots activists held community discussions, knocked doors and wrote postcards to ensure Ohioans had accurate information about this issue and about voting. Policy Matters Ohio is grateful to everyone who stood up for democracy. We will continue the work to make Ohio’s government transparent, accountable, and in service to all Ohioans.”