“This election is a special election for special interests. We simply cannot let them win.”

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 CONTACT: Cameron Keir | [email protected] | 614-359-5346

Columbus, OH — In case you missed it, The Columbus Dispatch published Mayor Andrew J. Ginther’s opinion column this week, urging Columbus neighbors to turn out and defeat Issue One on the August 8th special election ballot. After previously endorsing a NO vote on Issue One, Mayor Ginther wrote directly to Columbus neighbors, sharing how Issue One would impact our neighborhoods from wages to school funding to reproductive rights. Without mincing words, the Mayor says Issue One is the “most significant affront to democracy in state history.” Mayor Ginther’s ask of neighbors is simple, make a plan to vote NO.  

“Mayor Ginther is vehemently opposed to the undemocratic political power grab that is Issue One. Now that we know reproductive rights are on the ballot this November, voting down Issue One is more crucial than ever, not only to protect our Constitutional rights but also for a woman’s right to choose. That’s why the Mayor strongly urges all Columbus voters to join him, turn out friends and make a plan to vote early and vote NO on Issue One,” said Ginther campaign spokesperson Cameron Keir. 

Read more from the Columbus Dispatch Opinion column HERE and below 

• I want to explain why Issue 1 is the most significant affront to democracy in state history, and why I have joined a bipartisan coalition of leaders urging Columbus to vote no in this special election. 
• State leaders are counting on a low turnout for the August election because it’s a grab for Ohio legislators to take power away from the citizens of Ohio, plain and simple.
• Issue 1 is undemocratic and will have significant impacts no matter where you live in Ohio. Opposing Issue 1 is not about being a Republican or Democrat, it’s about doing what’s right to protect democracy and make sure your voice is heard when it matters.
• If Issue 1 were law today, the minimum wage would be dollars lower; bonds for environmental conservation, low-income housing, and development would not exist; Ohio would not have an anti-monopoly clause; and there would be no term limits for Ohio’s governor. 
• Passage of Issue 1 would also directly impact your Columbus neighborhoods in a variety of ways from school funding to raising wages.  As the Dispatch recently reported, just 76 issues have been approved by the proposed 60% margin since 1913. This issue isn’t about changing Ohio’s constitution to benefit voters; it’s about stripping your voice. 
• And yes, Issue 1 is “100% about abortion” as radical state leaders have made clear.
• A woman should have the right to safe, affordable and accessible abortions if that is her choice. We should never again have to read headlines about someone forced to go out of state for critical care when it is her decision. 
• Extremist leaders know the majority of Ohio residents want the right to choose. But these extremists are so hellbent on pushing their ideals that they broke their own laws to put this issue on a special election and change the game, drowning out your voice, your vote and your choice just before reproductive freedom is voted on this fall. 
• This election is a special election for special interests. We simply cannot let them win. 
• Decisions are made by those who show up, and they should be made by ALL those who show up, not just a select few. A ‘no’ vote on Issue 1 will make sure we hold onto that right not only for ourselves but for future generations to come. 
• Neighbors, my ask of you is simple: vote no on Issue 1. Vote early, vote absentee if you’ll be on vacation. Or show up and vote in person on August 8. And please, remind your friends to do the same. 
• People are not used to voting in August, and that’s what the opposition is counting on. Let’s prove them wrong.  

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