November is right around the corner, and once again Ohio has another big election on its hands. Although the issues and candidates in this upcoming election will not receive anywhere near as much media attention as 2004, this election is still every bit as important to Ohioans.
The four state issues that most likely will receive the most media attention are state ballot Issues 2 through 5. These issues concern changing Ohio electoral politics, and, if passed, will amend the Ohio Constitution.
State Ballot Issue 2 - Proposes to allow registered voters to cast an absentee ballot by mail or in person 35 days prior to an election without requiring any reason/purpose for early voting.
State Ballot Issue 3 - This issue aims to limit the contributions an individual, political action committee or political party can make to candidates and PACs in Ohio elections. Note: Please refer to the Web site listed below for complete listing of contribution limitations.
State Ballot Issue 4 - Proposes to create a five-person independent commission to determine and draw up district boundary lines in Ohio. The first two commission members would be appointed by a sitting judge and then those members would appoint the other three commission members.
If the issue passes, this commission would replace the current State Appointment Board, which consists of the governor, secretary of state, the state auditor and a legislator from each of the two dominant political parties.
State Ballot Issue 5 - This issue aims to establish a nine-member commission that would oversee Ohio elections. Currently, the Ohio secretary of state oversees all elections in Ohio. The nine-member commission would be composed of four members appointed by the governor, four appointed by members of the Ohio General Assembly, who do not have the same party affiliation as the sitting governor and one member appointed by a vote of Ohio Supreme Court justices, including the chief justice. For more information or the official ballot language, please visit the secretary of state's Web site, http://www.sos.state.oh.us.
When looking at these issues all students need to realize that ballot issues are a great illustration of democracy. No matter which political parties support these issues, the state ballot issues are not party politics. Politicians will not make the decision on these issues; Ohio voters will make them.
All students are encouraged to register to vote and exercise their right to do so Nov. 8. The deadline to register is Oct. 11, so hurry. That way you will have the opportunity to vote on these issues as well as local elections. Ohio University Student Senate will be holding a Voter Registration Drive Oct.4 - 6 at College Gate, and also will have volunteers around campus all that week.
- Ben Frech is Student Senate's State and Federal Affairs commissioner.
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