Putting an Issue on the Ballot
Types of Ballot Issues in Ohio
In Ohio, there are four types of ballot issues that can be placed before voters. Each has its own requirements and must follow a specific legal process outlined in the Ohio Constitution and the Ohio Revised Code.
Referendum
A referendum allows voters to approve or reject a law recently passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by the governor. This process allows Ohio citizens the right to challenge legislation they disagree with before it takes effect.
Legal authority: Article II, Section 1c, Ohio Constitution
Learn More About ReferendumsCitizen-Initiated Statute
A citizen-initiated statute lets Ohio voters propose a new law (statute) when they believe an issue is not properly addressed by existing law.
Citizens must follow specific procedures to collect signatures and submit the proposed law for a statewide vote.
Legal authority: Article II, Section 1b, Ohio Constitution
Learn More About Citizen Initiated StatutesCitizen-Initiated Constitutional Amendment
A citizen-initiated constitutional amendment is similar to a citizen-initiated statute but proposes a change to the Ohio Constitution rather than creating a new law. This process lets citizens directly propose constitutional changes for a statewide vote.
Legal authority: Article II, Section 1a, Ohio Constitution
Learn More About Citizen-Initiated Constitutional AmendmentsGeneral Assembly-Initiated Constitutional Amendment
The Ohio General Assembly can also propose changes to the Ohio Constitution. Any proposed amendment must be approved by a three-fifths majority in both the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate before it appears on the statewide ballot.
Legal authority: Article XVI, Section 1, Ohio Constitution
Learn More About General Assembly-Initiated Constitutional AmendmentsSummary of Ohio Ballot Issue Types
Type | Who Proposes It | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
Referendum | Citizens | Approves or rejects a recently passed law |
Citizen-Initiated Statute | Citizens | Proposes a new law for a statewide vote |
Citizen-Initiated Constitutional Amendment | Citizens | Proposes a constitutional amendment |
General Assembly-Initiated Constitutional Amendment | Ohio General Assembly | Places a constitutional amendment on the ballot |