Strengthen Ohio's elections process

By STEVE BUEHRER

When Ohio voters head to the polls this November, they will have an opportunity to not only participate in a historic election for the next President of the United States, but help decide the outcome of several congressional campaigns, state house and senate contests and local government races. In addition, Ohioans will be asked to support or oppose a number of statewide ballot issues that could have a significant impact on the growth of Ohio's economy, the efficiency of our elections process and the quality of life in our communities.

Over the next few weeks, I will use this column to provide some background on these issues and discuss how each one could influence the future direction of our state. With so much at stake this fall, it is important that all voters are prepared to make an informed decision.

Issue 1, which the General Assembly approved for the ballot through passage of House Joint Resolution 3 in June, is a constitutional amendment designed to build confidence in Ohio's elections process, streamline elections administration and save taxpayer dollars. It would require all petitions for statewide ballot initiatives to be filed at least 125 days before an election. The current deadline is 90 days.

In addition, the proposal sets firm deadlines for when the Ohio Secretary of State must determine if there are enough valid signatures to qualify an issue for the ballot, as well as a strict timeline in which legal challenges to signatures or petitions must be filed and ruled on by the Ohio Supreme Court.

While these changes may appear trite, they would have a significant impact on voters, local board of elections and Ohio taxpayers. During the past two elections, Ohioans have cast votes for invalid state issues, because legal challenges to petition signatures had not been resolved at the time ballots had to be printed. This not only impacted voters' confidence in Ohio's elections system, but cost the state thousands of dollars. In fact, in 2007, Ohio taxpayers paid more than $300,000 to advertise information about statewide issues that did not qualify for the ballot. Passage of Issue 1 would help alleviate these needless costs and frustrations and restore faith and certainty in the election process.

I would also like to remind all residents of the 1st Senate District that Monday, October 6th is the last day to register to vote in the November election. If you have not registered, please go to your local board of elections to fill out a registration form.

This is a crucial time in our history. What happens on November 4th will have a tremendous bearing on the future of our state and national economy, our country's security, and the quality of life in our communities. I look forward to continuing the discussion about the statewide issues in the coming weeks, and as we approach Election Day, I urge everyone to study the ballot and get involved.

I encourage all residents of the 1st Senate District to contact me with any questions, thoughts or concerns, or if you need assistance working with a state government agency. You can write me, Senator Steve Buehrer, Ohio Senate, Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, or contact me by phone at (614) 466-8150. In addition, I can be reached by email at SD01@mailr.sen.state.oh.us.