With the 2016 presidential election gaining momentum, the 2015 Ohio Election is right around the corner. There are three issues on the Ballot for Ohio: Issue 1, the Ohio Bipartisan Redistricting Commission Amendment; Issue 2, the Ohio Initiated Monopolies Amendment; Issue 3, the Ohio Marijuana Legalization Initiative.
Issue 1 has a goal of making the legislative districts more compact and more politically competitive by creating a seven-member commission to draw General Assembly maps. The proposed system would guarantee 29 percent of the commission from the minority party, as opposed to the current system which only allows 20 percent to be minority. This amendment would go into effect in 2021, when the next redistricting would occur.
Issue 2 requires voters to approve two questions about economic monopolies. This amendment was created by lawmakers in response to the legalization of marijuana. This would result in the drug being commercially grown in 10 facilities with exclusive rights. This amendment would require the Ohio Ballot Board to decide whether the initiative would create an economic monopoly or a privilege for individuals and corporations. If one question is defeated in this amendment, then it would invalidate Issue 3, the legalization of marijuana.
However, the issue that seems to catch the most attention in this year’s election is Issue 3—the legalization of marijuana.
If this amendment passes, Ohio will become the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use and medicinal use simultaneously.
Issue 3 would allow any persons 21 years of age or older to cultivate, use, possess and share up to eight ounces of marijuana. It will also permit anyone of that age to grow up to four flowering marijuana plants if the person holds a valid state-issued license to grow at home.
The recent legalization of the recreational use of marijuana in Colorado has put other states on the hot seat to follow suit. According to the Initiative Petition, Issue 3 is said to create tens of thousands of jobs in Ohio, generating more than $550 million annually in tax revenue. Eighty-five percent of those profits will go directly to local governments, which may spend those funds on public safety, economic development, and other infrastructure improvements.
Adversaries of Issue 3 bring up many counter arguments when it comes to legalizing marijuana. The biggest issue being the potential monopoly that would be created from this industry.
The passing of this amendment would give exclusive rights to commercial marijuana profits in Ohio to a small group of wealthy investors. The investors who wrote Issue 3 would be able to set their own tax rates directly into the Constitution that can’t be changed by the legislature, like those on beer and tobacco products.
Another common argument is the temptation for children. If Issue 3 passes, items like candy, brownies, cookies, and other marijuana-infused products will be sold and could easily be mistaken by children for regular treats. These “goodies” contain dangerous levels of THC and will be of harm to children who consume them.
However, Ian James, executive director of ResponsibleOhio, said that he is pushing this campaign for Issue 3 by knocking on doors and sending absentee ballots to Ohioans, who indicated they support the marijuana legalization.
“Over one million people have signed a petition [to legalize marijuana],” James said.
William Denihan, executive officer of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County, argued that medical marijuana is dangerous.
“Every major medical institution has said very clearly that marijuana is dangerous and damaging to us,” Denihan said. “The people I work with in this community have said no.”
November is an opportunity for Ohio voices to be heard on these issues.
Ohio registered voters may vote early in-person from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 24 (except on Columbus Day), 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Oct. 31, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nov. 1 and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 2.
On election day, polling places are open on Nov. 3, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than noon on Nov. 2 and must be received by Nov. 13. Absentee ballots may also be dropped off in person until 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the county board of elections.