Ballot Initiative 101

What is a ballot initiative?

“The powers of initiative and referendum are reserved for the people of Ohio under Article 2, Section 1 of the Ohio Constitution, enabling citizens to place an issue directly before voters on a statewide ballot.”

Ohio’s Constitution empowers citizens of the state to place issues directly before voters on a statewide ballot so voters can have their say.

How do ballot initiatives work?

On the surface, it seems straightforward …

1. Draft a proposal and summary, and collect initial signatures.

2. Get the proposal and summary certified by the Attorney General and Ballot Board.

3. Gather more signatures.

4. File signatures and certify again with the Secretary of State.

5. Ballot Board writes language and public commentary begins.

6. Ohio citizens vote.

But in reality, the process is complex, expensive and ripe for political abuse.

How Ohio’s ballot initiative process really works

Take a deep dive into the process for getting a ballot initiative in front of Ohio voters, and see what roadblocks stand in the way.

Read More on Ohio's Ballot Initiative Process >