24.7 A Realistic Process for Implementing an Initiative

Imagine you, as an Ohio citizen, are passionate about environmental conservation and believe that the state should implement stricter regulations on plastic use. You decide to propose a new law through the initiative process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully implementing your initiative. Let’s be honest upfront, though: this process is very difficult and will cost a lot of time, money, and other resources.

Research and Drafting Your Proposal

Start by identifying the issue you want to address. Conduct thorough research on the environmental impact of plastic use in Ohio. Gather data, consult experts, and review existing laws to understand the current situation and what changes are necessary. Next, draft your proposal. Write a clear and concise proposal for the new law, outlining specific regulations such as banning single-use plastics or imposing fines for noncompliance.

You should make sure there’s a penalty for violating the law, otherwise it’s toothless. The last redistricting law passed through referendum in Ohio lacked effective enforcement mechanisms. This led to the fact that the political majority on the Ohio Redistricting Commission kept producing legislative maps that ignored orders from the Ohio Supreme Court and violated the intent of the initiative petition approved by voters requiring a process that led to fair and proportionate redistricting.

Filing the Proposal

Once your proposal is ready, submit it to the Ohio Attorney General’s office. The Attorney General will review the proposal to ensure it is legally sound and clear. Be prepared to make any necessary revisions based on feedback from the Attorney General to improve the proposal and address any legal issues.

Gathering Signatures

To get your initiative on the ballot, you’ll need to gather signatures. Start by forming a committee of volunteers to help with the signature collection process. You need to collect signatures from registered voters equal to six percent of the votes cast for the office of Governor in the last election. Make sure you gather signatures from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with each county providing signatures equal to five percent of the votes cast for the office of Governor in that county.

Remember, you will need at least 252,082 signatures, and it will cost you. Almost all successful referendums employ signature collection companies.

Campaigning and Getting Out Your Vote

Now it’s time to launch a campaign to raise awareness about your initiative. Use social media, public events, and local media to educate the public about the importance of the new law. Engage with community leaders, environmental groups, and other stakeholders to build broad support. Encourage your supporters to vote during the next general election. Organize voter registration drives and provide information on how and where to vote. Monitor the election process to ensure everything runs smoothly and fairly.

Celebrating Success or Analyzing Defeat

If your initiative passes, celebrate the achievement and begin working on its implementation. If it fails, take the time to analyze the reasons behind the defeat and consider future efforts to address the issue. Use the experience to refine your approach and possibly try again in the future.

References

Ohio Legislative Service Commission. 2023. Legislative Glossary in A Guidebook for Ohio Legislators. Columbus, OH.

Sracic, Paul A., and William C. Binning. 2015. Chapter 9 – Direct Democracy in Ohio in Ohio Government and Politics. Washington, DC: CQ Press.