May 10, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Today, Ohio lawmakers voted to pass Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2), an undemocratic, unfair, and unpopular resolution that, if implemented, would change the constitutional amendment process. Instead of the majority vote of 50% + 1, this resolution would require 60% of the vote, as well as requiring other thresholds to be met while also eliminating cure periods. In response, All Voting is Local Action Ohio State Director Kayla Griffin released the following statement:
“Today, with the passage of SJR 2, Ohio lawmakers proved that they believe they are above the people that they serve. Despite over 240 organizations and groups, former governors, former attorney generals, elections officials, and thousands of Ohioans voicing their opposition to the resolution, the lawmakers who voted yes to pass the resolution proved they believe they are not constitutionally responsible to the people they serve. This was a direct show of the type of authoritarianism they will resort to in order to get their way.”
“However, what these lawmakers have underestimated is the power of the people. When this resolution shows up on the ballot in a special election in August, the voters will defend democracy and defeat this resolution and any attempts to silence us. Make no mistake, we will do everything in our power to ensure we bring this resolution down in order to protect the very foundation that this nation was built upon.”