Why YW urges Ohioans to vote no in August
This August special election, Ohioans will be asked to vote on a ballot measure that threatens the sacred principle of one person one vote.YWCA Dayton is urging Ohioans to vote no in August and preserve majority rule.YW is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization worldwide, and is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, freedom, justice, and dignity for all. We have been fulfilling this mission in Dayton since 1870.We are proud to operate in a state that gives voters the right to direct democracy and the ability to have a real say in politics. For over 150 years YWCA has been on the front lines advocating for voting rights and encouraging citizens to engage and amplify voices in every election cycle.We oppose any effort to drastically curtail the ability of citizens to successfully carry out ballot initiative campaigns or to make those efforts more difficult. The question on the ballot, if approved, would diminish the voice of citizens because they increase the threshold to alter the state constitution from a simple majority of Ohioans to a significantly higher percentage.The ability to propose constitutional amendments and collect signatures to place proposals on the ballot for voters to decide has been fundamental to Ohioans for over 100 years. That constitutional right is critical to ensuring a healthy, safe, empowered future for our communities.According to YWCA USA’s YWomen Vote Report, higher voter participation has been associated with higher employment rates, lower crime recidivism rates, and more positive health outcomes in communities as well as increased attention from elected officials and candidates for office.It has been just over 100 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment allowing women to vote and only 55 years since the Voter Rights Act expanded protections to women of color. We urge Ohioans to vote no in August and protect the rights these groups fought so hard for.
- July 10 - Voter registration deadline. Check your registration!
- July 11 - Early voting begins
- Aug. 8 - Election Day