Ohio S.J.R. 2 Ballot Language Challenge

Petition filed on behalf of Ohio voters and One Person One Vote challenging the adopted ballot language for Senate Joint Resolution 2, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would increase the threshold to pass constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. The petition filed against Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) and the Ohio Ballot Board alleges that the defendants used “inaccurate, incomplete ballot language that improperly favor the Amendment in flagrant violation Ohio’s Constitution and laws and this Court’s jurisprudence.” The petitioners also argue that the amendment’s title “is not impartial and will create prejudice in favor of the Amendment.” The petitioners request a writ of mandamus (a court order compelling a party to take a specific action) that directs the defendants to reconvene and rewrite the language of the amendment. They specifically request that the revised language explain the status quo that the amendment would change including “the simple majority vote threshold for amendments, the petition signature requirements, and the provision for cure of amendment petitions,” define electors and specify that the provision at issue has been part of the Ohio Constitution since 1912. On Monday, June 12, the Ohio Supreme Court granted in part and denied in part the petitioners’ request. As a result of the order, the ballot title for the proposed amendment must be rewritten and the word “electors” must be defined in the ballot language.

Last updated: June 12, 2023 11:12 am EST