The Ohio Ballot Board has been ordered to rewrite the language of State Issue One, the proposed legislation that impacts how voters pass amendments to the state's constitution.

On June 12, the Ohio Supreme Court ordered the board to rewrite the legislation to adopt lawful ballot language that accurately characterizes and explains the definition of "electors" underlying the petition-signature requirements in the proposed amendment.
 

This includes how many signatures would be required to qualify an initiative petition for the ballot.

If approved, Issue One would require a 60% supermajority of Ohio voters to amend the state’s constitution. Right now, Ohio requires a 50% plus one majority to amend the state's constitution.

The legislation does not change how the General Assembly would propose amendments.

Champions of the bill say it would protect the state's constitution and Ohio residents from out-of-state special interests.
 
However, critics of the bill say Issue One would make it more difficult for voters to pass a constitutional amendment in Ohio.
 
Justice Michael Donnelly said in his concurrence to the decision the ballot language must more clearly explain its objectives so voters are aware of the inequalities that would be created between the ability of voters to put a proposed amendment on the ballot through the initiative process and the ability of the General Assembly to do so autonomously.
 
One Person One Vote, opponents of the legislation, praised the court's ruling.
 
"The sacred principle of one person, one vote must be preserved, and Ohioans will reject Issue 1," said Dennis Willard, spokesperson for One Person One Vote.
 
On June 13, the Ballot Board will meet to rework and certify ballot language for State Issue One.
 

Meanwhile, the Ohio Supreme Court will soon decide whether or not the special election is legal. Right now, the Ohio Revised Code only allows elections on amendment changes in March, May or November. It also prohibits officials from conducting elections except as the Revised Code allows.

However, Rob Nichols, press secretary for Secretary of State Frank LaRose, tells 21 News this issue will remain on the ballot unless courts rule otherwise.