Ohio

2010

In 2009, the Ohio legislature opted to increase state revenue by placing video-gambling terminals at horse racing tracks. Opponents of the move are currently circulating a people’s veto to put this provision of the budget bill on the 2010 ballot. Signatures for the people’s veto must be submitted by December 20, 2009.

Additionally, the Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity is circulating a constitutional amendment that would repeal the estate tax and ban the future imposition of any similar tax. The initiative would blow a $317 million hole in state and local budgets, with local governments bearing most of the burden.

Also circulating is a statutory initiative that would ban dog auctions in Ohio, as well as the sale of dogs auctioned off in other states.

2009

In 2009, Ohio voters saw three questions on the fall ballot.  Voters approved a constitutional amendment question that allows casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.  Supporters of the measure, which passed with nearly 53 percent of the vote, have said the casinos will create 34,000 jobs, bring $200 million in licensing fees, and generate an estimated $651 million annually in revenue for cash-strapped Ohio and its local governments and school districts.  

Ohio voters also approved selling $200 million of bonds to provide services and compensation to residents who are veterans of conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as gave its support to a constitutional amendment that creates an appointed board to set livestock care standards.

Three measures were on the statewide ballot.
One measure was a citizen-petitioned initiative.
Two measures were legislative referenda.

2 constitutional amendments were referred.

Question 1: Bonds

“To authorize the state to issue bonds to provide compensation to veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts”
Proponents:
Opponents:
PASSED 72% - 28%

Question 2: Animal Rights

“To create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to establish and implement standards of care for livestock and poultry”
Proponents: http://www.ohiolivestockcare.com
Opponents:
PASSED 64% - 36%

1 constitutional amendment qualified.

Question 3: Gaming

“To amend the constitution to allow for one casino each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo and distribute to all Ohio Counties a tax on the casinos”
Proponents: http://www.yesonissue3.com
Opponents: http://www.truthpac.org
PASSED 53% - 47%

2010

Signature Deadline in 2010: December 23, 2009 (statutory initiative); June 30, 2010 (constitutional amendment)
Number of Signatures Needed to Qualify: 125,523 (statutory initiative); 418,408 (constitutional amendment)
Gubernatorial Election in 2010: Strickland (D)
US Senate Election in 2010: Open Seat

2008

For more 2008 election information, click here.

 

For additional information please visit the Ohio Secretary of State: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/