About an hour after the meeting was supposed to begin in the Rhodes State Office Tower across from the Ohio Statehouse, Governor Mike DeWine (R) told reporters there was indecision within the Republican House and Senate members as to who they wanted to co-chair the commission. Ohio Statehouse redistricting stalls as commission can’t come up with co-chairs.

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YOU DID IT! Democracy Wins! Ohioans rejected and trounced the concept of minority rule over the majority.  With 41.14% of Erie Countians turned out to vote in this historic election with unofficial results of 12,147 – 56.91% voting NO and 9,196 – 43.09% voting yes. Thank You to everyone who wrote postcards, donated stamps, made calls, knocked on doors, posted yard signs, made donations and talked to family and friends to get out the vote! Every vote was – and is – important! Read more where to recycle signs.

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David DeWitt, Editor of Ohio Capital Journal eloquently states: Ohioans, I’m so proud of you. You stood up for yourselves. You refused to let corrupt politicians and lobbyists steal your power. You paid homage to generations before us who won us these rights, and you protected them for future generations. You won a noble and historic victory for democracy in Ohio, and you should be very proud.

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In Moore v Harper decision, the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the fringe “Independent State Legislature” (ISL) theory that would have given state legislatures almost unchecked power over federal elections – which could have transformed elections for Congress and president. The ruling is particularly good news for Ohioans because it means an independent redistricting commission is not off the table when it comes to future redistricting reform.

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Trump has survived impeachment two times, been sued repeatedly, found liable for sexual abuse, his company has been found guilty of tax evasion, and he faces a criminal trial in New York. Now it is United States v. Donald Trump. He is now facing 37 felony counts – including 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information and making false statements – by a federal grand jury of Florida citizens. The detailed indictment was signed by special counsel Jack Smith and unsealed in Florida.

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A lawsuit has been filed with the Ohio Supreme Court to prevent a possible constitutional amendment question from going to the statewide ballot in August. The resolution, passed by majority Republicans in the Ohio Legislature, would ask voters to make it harder to pass future constitutional amendments by requiring 60% voter approval. Experts have questioned the legality of the resolution and the state’s high court is being asked to intervene.

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On Tuesday, May 10, 2023, Ohio State House Republicans – including DJ Swearingen (R-HD89) and Dick Stein (R-HD-54) – passed SJR2 – which was co-sponsored by Ohio State Senator Theresa Gavarone who represents State Senate District 2 including Erie County, which approved a special election in August that would cost $20 million that, if the majority of voters – 50% + 1 – approve, would raise the ballot referendum passing threshold from a simple 50% +1 majority to a 60% +1 supermajority.

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Over 200 + bipartisan groups, 4 former Ohio Governors, 5 former Ohio AGs and Ohio Building Trades blasted plan to make it harder to amend constitution. State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green – District 2 which includes Erie County) co-sponsored SJR2: legislation to make it harder for Ohioans to have a voice to amend the Ohio Constitution. The Ohio State Senate passed SJR2. It now goes to the State House as HJR1. Call your State House Representative to vote NO on HJR1. Link available to contact State Representative to email or leave a message – scripts also available.

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Opponents of ‘The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety’ proposed constitutional amendment are using nothing more than scare tactics, stretching the truth and outright lies about what a court may likely do in tv ads. Law professors reviewed the claims made in the ads aired by opponents and agreed parental consent would not be eliminated.

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The Democratic National Convention will take place August 19-22, 2024. It is expected to draw 5,000 to 7,000 delegates and alternates and attract up to 50,000 visitors to Chicago. The United Center will be site of evening events — the main site of the 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago and the largest arena in North America; daytime business will be conducted at the McCormick Place Convention Center, the location of the 2012 NATO Summit.

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