Ohio Farmers Union Says Vote ‘NO’ on Issue 1

August election would severely erode voter rights in Ohio

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Farmers Union is urging Ohio voters to reject state Issue 1 on the August 8 special election ballot.

OFU’s Executive Committee voted unanimously over the weekend to take this position on the measure which would remove a constitutional right Ohio voters have held for over 100 years.

“This proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution would permanently degrade the opportunity for Ohio citizens to change the constitution in accord with principles of one person- one vote and majority rule,” said OFU President Joe Logan.

“We are strongly urging our members and all Ohioans to vote ‘no’ in the special election – and reminding folks that early voting has already started and that they may cast their ballots now,” Logan added.

OFU is issuing an action alert to members with information on Issue 1 and links on how to vote early, in-person before election day.

Logan noted that it is rare for any state issue to receive a 60 percent super majority. He points out that it gives the currently gerrymandered Ohio State Legislature the power to permanently enact any policy regardless of majority opinion throughout the state.

“The passage of Issue 1 would be a slap in the face of Ohioans who believe in democracy,” Logan said.

OFU is a statewide organization of 4,000 family farmers and consumers. OFU has worked in Ohio and with the National Farmers Union to fight corporate consolidation in the ag industry – the big getting bigger and harming smaller farmers and rural communities.

Logan noted out the out-of-state dark money financing of the campaign to pass Issue 1 and said that it is a further example of deep pocketed special interests imposing their will on the rest of us.

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