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Guide on State Issues in November Ballot

By LAUREN SEGA on 10/10/2011 1:13 am / no comments

Early voting in Ohio has begun, and with no statewide races on the ballot, the focus this voting cycle is based squarely on the issues that are up for vote.

Issue 1 proposes to amend Section 6 and repeal Sections 19 and 22 of Article IV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio. This proposed amendment would increase the maximum age for assuming elected or appointed judicial office from 70 to 75 and eliminate the General Assembly’s authority to establish courts of conciliation. Finally, the proposed amendment repeals the section of the Ohio Constitution that allows the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a five member Supreme Court Commission to assist the court dispose of business on the court’s docket. If approved, it will be effective immediately.

A vote “yes” on Issue 1 would mean approval of the proposed amendment to Section 6 and repeal of Sections 19 and 22; a vote “no” would mean disapproval.

Issue 2 puts Senate Bill 5 up for referendum. On July 20, a poll by Connecticut-based Quinnipiac University revealed that 56 percent were in support of a repeal, while 32 percent were opposed and supported the law. Twelve percent were undecided. Similarly, on Sept. 27, a poll by Quinnipiac University displayed that 51 percent were in support of a repeal, 38 percent were opposed and supported the law, and 11 percent were undecided.

Voting “yes” on Issue 2 would mean approval of SB5; voting “no” would mean disapproval.

Issue 3 is a proposed amendment to adopt Section 21 to Article I of the Constitution of Ohio. This would provide that no law or rule can compel any person, employer or health care provider to participate in a health care system, prohibit the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance or impose a penalty or fine for the sale or purchase of health care or health insurance. This is directly related to Obama’s signature health care law. In the law, there is a provision stating that people will legally have to purchase health insurance.

Voting “yes” would approve the amendment against Obama’s healthcare law; voting “no” would disapprove the amendment.

To vote, visit the Athens County Board of Elections, 15 South Court St., Room 130 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 11.