(COLUMBUS, OH— 8/1/2023) — On Sunday July 30, CAIR-Ohio held an informational community event at International Mall on the North side of Columbus. The event aimed to provide educational resources about Issue 1 and emphasized the importance of voting NO in the upcoming August 8th Special Election. The event brought together the Muslim community in the Columbus area and welcomed Mayor Andrew Ginther, who voiced his support by emphasizing the value of every individual’s vote in America.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn about Issue 1 through a slideshow presented in both English and Somali, which highlighted crucial details about the election and early voting times. Materials were also provided in both languages for attendees to take and share with others in the community.
The focus of the event was to educate the community on the proposed changes by Issue 1 and its potential impact on democratic rights in Ohio. If passed, Issue 1 would alter the current law, requiring a 60% supermajority of votes instead of the long-standing simple majority of 50% + 1 for Amendments to the Ohio Constitution. This change would make it significantly harder to propose and implement constitutional changes in the future, essentially silencing the voices of the majority in Ohio.
Pamphlets and handouts distributed during the event provided a comparison of the current and proposed constitutional amendment processes. It underscored the serious risk posed by Issue 1, as it threatens the democratic rights of citizens and hinders the ability to make necessary changes when our legislature fails to act in the best interest of its constituents.
CAIR-Ohio urged the community to vote NO on Issue 1 and emphasized the importance of participation in the August 8th Election. By voting against Issue 1, the community can prevent the loss of individual power, ensuring that the constitutional amendment process remains accessible and representative.
With only one week left until the August 8th Election Day, CAIR-Ohio encouraged the community to take advantage of early voting opportunities and head to the polls to cast their votes.
For more information about voting in this special election, view our Voter Guide and the Somali translation here.
