Chapter 24 – Direct Democracy in Ohio

Let’s expand our earlier definition of an election. Elections are formal processes in which citizens vote to choose candidates for public office or decide on specific policies and issues. By voting for a candidate, you’re choosing who to elect to office to make decisions on your behalf. When you vote on a ballot initiative or in a referendum, you’re making the policy decision yourself. That’s called direct democracy, a system where citizens have the power to make decisions on laws and policies directly.

In this chapter, you will learn about the mechanisms of direct democracy in Ohio. You’ll learn about the ways citizens can influence government actions through referendums, ballot initiatives, and recalls. By understanding these processes, you will gain insight into how decisions are made directly by the people rather than elected representatives.

The knowledge you gain from this chapter has significant implications for your future civic engagement activities. By learning about direct democracy, you can become more active in shaping your community and state. Whether it’s participating in a referendum to overturn an unpopular law, proposing a new ballot initiative to address a pressing issue, or organizing a recall to hold an official accountable, you will have the tools to make your voice heard and drive change.

As you engage with the content of this chapter, think about how you can apply this knowledge to advocate for the issues you care about and contribute to the betterment of your community.