Ohio Right to Life Opposes State Issue 1
Vote No to Stop Gerrymandering & Prevent Civil Rights Violations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rachel del Guidice
DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 4, 2024 EMAIL: rdelguidice@ohiolife.org
Columbus, Ohio – Today, the Ohio Right to Life Society announced its strong opposition to State Issue 1 – the ballot initiative that eliminates Ohio voters’ ability to hold elected officials accountable and could also dilute Black voting abilities in traditional minority legislative districts.
“Ohio’s legislature works for its citizens, not the other way around and Issue 1 is a blatant attempt to take away the power to vote on who represents us in Columbus”, said Mike Gonidakis, President of Ohio Right to Life. “Further, the federal court just struck down a similar plan in the state of Michigan for violations of the Voting Rights Act. The court ruled that 13 legislative districts drawn were unconstitutional because they violated the equal protection clause,” said Gonidakis.
In 2015, 71% of Ohio voters approved our system for creating legislative districts which lead to a bi-partisan map and a unanimous vote in 2023. Both Democrats and Republicans worked together in unification to create fair maps for its diverse population.
“During the past three decades, Ohioans have overwhelmingly elected pro-life candidates for federal, statewide and legislative offices. The political will of Ohioans has been clear. Issue 1 is bad for Ohio because unelected and unaccountable individuals will forever take away our right to ensure our government works for “we the people,” said Gonidakis.
The Ohio Right to Life Society encourages its statewide membership, chapters, and affiliates to advocate for a NO vote on State Issue 1.
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Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.