Ohio Citizens' Referendum Process Under Attack

[Rick Rowlands]

Since I am not a low information Ohioan I actually did look this up.

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/03/post_45.html
http://innovationohio.org/2013/03/04/senate-bill-47-limits-ohios-referendum-and-amendment-process/
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_SB_47

There are numerous proposed changes to the Ohio Election law; the one that is causing concern is just one part of the bill.   I do think that the change is appropriate to make.  It does not materially affect the number of days that signatures can be collected.  90 days to collect signatures to be submitted, and 10 days to submit additional signatures should the initial number be found insufficient.    What this does do is prohibit collecting signatures after the initial group are submitted and then reopens that window for 10 days if more signatures are needed. 

I can see the rationale behind this change. It does provide for a uniform number of days for signature collection regardless of the amount of time it takes the sec of state to verify signatures.   

[Billy Mumphrey]

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/03/post_45.html

http://www.plunderbund.com/2013/03/05/senate-bill-47-an-attempt-to-limit-voter-rights/

[Rick Rowlands]

You should run for office.  you are engaging in the very same selective language that is so very frustrating about politicians.  You attempt to rile people up with mention of "new restrictions", then very slyly do not mention any details but follow it up with a statement that these undefined restrictions are bad.    This is how low information people go about their lives and I expect more out of people.

You should have linked to the article in question for one, and perhaps link to the text of SB 47.  Then explain what the restrictions that you have a problem with are and why they are bad for democracy.  This is how intelligent thoughtful people debate issues.

[jay]

There is a story in today's newspaper about the Ohio Senate passing SB 47 which would impose new restrictions on anyone or any group trying to place a referendum before the voters of Ohio.

It is rare for anyone to launch a state-wide ballot referendum.  Placing more restrictions on citizens' participation is bad for democracy in Ohio.