Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Ohio's August Special Election has one sole issue on the ballot, State Issue 1.

If passed, it would require a 60% supermajority in future statewide votes to change the Ohio Constitution. 

Currently, only 50%, plus one vote threshold is required. The bill would also make it harder to get certain issues up on the ballot, by requiring campaigns to collect signatures from all 88 counties.  

The election comes with a price tag for all county boards of elections along with eyebrows raised from local groups about the decision to call a special election on State Issue 1. 

Republican lawmakers passed legislation that will place the single issue on the ballot in August, strategically because special elections typically have a low voter turnout.

"It's unfortunate because a lot of people don't know there's an election on August 8th," said Melissa Wasko, Mahoning County Board of Elections Deputy Director. "So most important is that we get our voters out here to exercise their civic duty."

Wasko said it's crucial people stay informed about these smaller elections and cast their vote based on their opinion of State Issue 1.

"I would strongly encourage voters to contact their parties," Wasko said. "There's a lot of information online. So, they can decide for themselves."

The election will cost Mahoning County up to $190,000. Trumbull County Board of Elections told 21 News the estimated cost is just shy of $180,000, with Columbiana County's up to $100,000.

"It's poll workers, it's printing ballots, it's security, it's all the staffing," Wasko explained. "Believe it or not, volumes and volumes of paper that are in tandem with the election."

Wasko said the state is responsible for the cost of the election in each county, so the price isn't a burden.

Groups including the usually neutral League of Women's Voters are openly against State Issue 1. Representatives said it will only silence voter voices in the state if it is passed.

Early voting for August's special election begins July 11.