As you may already be aware, the 135th General Assembly approved a special election to be held on August 8, 2023 for the citizens of Ohio to vote on Issue 1. Issue 1 asks voters if Ohio should “Require that any proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio receive the approval of at least 60 percent of eligible voters voting on the proposed amendment.” Please click on the following highlighted links to read the ballot language for Issue 1 and an explanation of Issue 1.

Passing this Issue:

• Makes it more difficult for out-of-state interest groups to push their agenda onto Ohioans.
• Creates a higher threshold of requirements to propose changes to our state constitution and better aligns with the same process used at the federal level.
• Allows for better representation of rural counties, like Knox County, to ensure the voices of rural residents are heard.

 As our bishops remind us, "In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation" Faithful Citizenship, No. 13. We urge you to register and vote in the upcoming election:

· July 10: Deadline to Register to Vote or Update Voter Information · 

· July 11 – August 6: Absentee and Early In-Person Voting · 

· Tuesday August 8th: ELECTION DAY

Please note: The bishops of Ohio do not have a position on Issue 1 in August, as raising the threshold to amend the Ohio Constitution does not have any direct moral content. This is different than the proposed November 2023 ballot initiative which would expand and enshrine abortion which the Ohio bishops oppose. The Catholic Conference of Ohio is the official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio on public policy, advocating for the dignity of life at all stages, immigrants, Ohioans