State Issues 1 - 5 - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

Issue 1: Jobs forOhio (Third Frontier)

League Explanation: Placed on the ballot by the General Assembly, this proposal pairs an infrastructure bond program with economic development funding to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. It would declare that local government public infrastructure, financial support for research and development and development of sites and facilities in Ohio that support industry and commerce are “public purposes,” so that government grants and loans can be made to private businesses, research organizations, and educational institutions for development purposes.

The amendment would authorize the state to issue general obligation bonds of up to $1.35 billion for local government capital improvements to infrastructure (this portion is a renewal of a 1995 amendment); $500 million to provide financial assistance through state and local government and state-supported and state-assisted institutions of higher education for research and development (similar Third Frontier funding is currently provided through the General Assembly); and $150 million for state use to develop job-ready sites and facilities in Ohio. It authorizes the legislature to pass laws providing for implementation, including issuing and paying for the bonds.

This amendment would overrule the prohibition against the state government or any local government investing in private companies.

Issue 2: Early Voting

League Explanation: The proposal would provide for early voting, without stating a reason, by mail or in person during the 35 days prior to an election.

Issue 3: Limiting Political Contributions and Reforming Campaign Finance

League Explanation: This proposal would establish limits on contributions to candidates, political action committees, and political parties. Further, it would establish a number of additional prohibitions relating to contributions. It would also provide for public disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures.

Issue 4: Independent Redistricting Process

League Explanation: This proposal is intended to address a lack of bipartisan input in redistricting/reapportionment for both Congressional and legislative districts. It would replace the current Apportionment Board, which consists of partisan elected officials, by providing for creation of an independent redistricting commission. It specifies that competitive districts (between the two major political parties) should be created whenever possible. The new process would allow any person or organization to submit a redistricting plan for consideration by the commission. This proposal also would authorize elections based on the new redistricting plan in the year following its adoption. Thereafter, redistricting would occur only following the federal decennial census.

Issue 5: Independent Election Administration

League Explanation: This proposal would establish a bipartisan state board of elections supervisors as the state’s chief elections authority, a responsibility currently held by the secretary of state. The state board of elections supervisors would function similarly to Ohio’s county boards of elections. They would hire a director to manage the day-to-day functions of election administration, but the board itself would retain authority to make all final decisions on elections matters.

Explanation courtesy of League of Women Voters