David DeWitt, Editor of Ohio Capital Journal eloquently states: Ohioans, I’m so proud of you. You stood up for yourselves. You refused to let corrupt politicians and lobbyists steal your power. You paid homage to generations before us who won us these rights, and you protected them for future generations. You won a noble and historic victory for democracy in Ohio, and you should be very proud.

Continue reading

In Moore v Harper decision, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the fringe “Independent State Legislature” (ISL) theory that would have given state legislatures almost unchecked power over federal elections – which could have transformed elections for Congress and president. The ruling is particularly good news for Ohioans because it means an independent redistricting commission is not off the table when it comes to future redistricting reform.

Continue reading

Trump has survived impeachment two times, been sued repeatedly, found liable for sexual abuse, his company has been found guilty of tax evasion, and he faces a criminal trial in New York. Now it is United States v. Donald Trump. He is now facing 37 felony counts – including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information and making false statements – by a federal grand jury of Florida citizens. The detailed indictment was signed by special counsel Jack Smith and unsealed in Florida.

Continue reading

A lawsuit has been filed with the Ohio Supreme Court to prevent a possible constitutional amendment question from going to the statewide ballot in August. The resolution, passed by majority Republicans in the Ohio Legislature, would ask voters to make it harder to pass future constitutional amendments by requiring 60% voter approval. Experts have questioned the legality of the resolution and the state’s high court is being asked to intervene.

Continue reading

On Tuesday, May 10, 2023, Ohio State House Republicans – including DJ Swearingen (R-HD89) and Dick Stein (R-HD-54) – passed SJR2 – which was co-sponsored by Ohio State Senator Theresa Gavarone who represents State Senate District 2 including Erie County, which approved a special election in August that would cost $20 million that, if the majority of voters – 50% + 1 – approve, would raise the ballot referendum passing threshold from a simple 50% +1 majority to a 60% +1 supermajority.

Continue reading

Over 200 + bipartisan groups, 4 former Ohio Governors, 5 former Ohio AGs and Ohio Building Trades blasted plan to make it harder to amend constitution. State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green – District 2 which includes Erie County) co-sponsored SJR2: legislation to make it harder for Ohioans to have a voice to amend the Ohio Constitution. The Ohio State Senate passed SJR2. It now goes to the State House as HJR1. Call your State House Representative to vote NO on HJR1. Link available to contact State Representative to email or leave a message – scripts also available.

Continue reading

Opponents of ‘The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety’ proposed constitutional amendment are using nothing more than scare tactics, stretching the truth and outright lies about what a court may likely do in tv ads. Law professors reviewed the claims made in the ads aired by opponents and agreed parental consent would not be eliminated.

Continue reading

The Democratic National Convention will take place August 19-22, 2024. It is expected to draw 5,000 to 7,000 delegates and alternates and attract up to 50,000 visitors to Chicago. The United Center will be site of evening events — the main site of the 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago and the largest arena in North America; daytime business will be conducted at the McCormick Place Convention Center, the location of the 2012 NATO Summit.

Continue reading

Volunteers now have petitions! Despite what the GOP ad says – The proposed amendment language has nothing to do with gender reassignment surgery. Every registered Ohioan should have the right to vote yes or no on this issue by placing it on the November 2023 General Election ballot. Every individual has a right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions, including but not limited to decisions on: contraception; fertility treatment; continuing one’s own pregnancy; miscarriage care; and abortion. The full text of the proposed amendment language is available to read.

Continue reading

There are now about 125,000 fewer registered voters in the state – 884 less voters in Erie County alone – after Secretary of State Frank LaRose removed names from the active voter rolls. If an Ohioan has moved or hasn’t participated in elections in the past six years, the state may have removed the person’s name from the  voter file; thus, the action affects the individual’s ability to vote. If purged, the person must re-register to vote. Don’t miss the deadline to register to vote!

Continue reading