To the editor:

Those who are capable of thinking for themselves know all to well how to vote on critical issues such as Ohio Issue 1 coming soon on August 8.

A sneaky summertime election with the sneaks hoping that voter turnout will be minimal. Estimated special election costs to taxpayers: $20 million.

Anytime deliberate misleading spin by one political party rears its ugly head, billionaire George Soros’ name is immediately thrown into the mix. So, let’s right this wrong for Issue 1. His name is Illinois resident and staunch conservative Dick Uihlein. Uihlein is a Chicago-area shipping supplies magnate, and a descendant of a Milwaukee beer company (family).

Ask yourself: why is a billionaire from Illinois trying to influence lawmaking in Ohio by attempting to destroy the ability of we the people to amend our Constitution and shut down our voice in our state?

For 110 years Ohioans have had the right to put constitutional amendments directly on the ballot with voter approval with a simple majority of 50% plus 1. It has been a system that works. If passed, Issue 1 would raise the threshold for voters to pass all future constitutional amendments to 60%; eliminate the 10-day curing period to validate signatures; and, double the geographical requirements for signatures to get a citizen-led proposal on the ballot.

A few former Ohio governors have weighed in on the Issue 1. John Kasich said: “Ohio is stronger when we can all lend our voices, and we all have an equal chance to participate in the work of our state’s democracy.” Bob Taft said: “Two important programs approved by voters during his administration, the Clean Ohio Fund and the Third Frontier Project, would have failed in the 60% rule had been in place.” Ted Strickland said: “Issue 1 shows the total lack of respect for the constitution of our state. It is an effort to give 40% of the people in Ohio the right to control the other 60%.”

Special interests have spent millions lobbying politicians to call this special election when there was already an election coming up in November — and it worked. Can you taste hypocrisy? Back in December, the Ohio Legislature passed a bill that banned August elections. That bill only permits elections with such statewide ramifications to be held in November of the May or March primary. The reasoning? Low voter turnout.

But now the legislature has reversed course. Why? Simple: they do not want Ohioans to vote.

This is a special election for special interests and corrupt politicians. Voters, if you want to keep the freedom to make decisions that impact your lives, ballot issues give you the freedom to make laws when politicians fail us as they often do. Please educate yourselves regarding Ohio Issue 1 and be sure to vote on August 8. Our right and freedoms are worth fighting for, even though some will encourage you to given them away. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, Issue 1 deserve a “NO” vote.

RICK STRAUB,

Columbiana