Several requirements must be met before a proposed statewide issue can be placed on the ballot. Links explaining those procedures can be found here. The Ohio Ballot Board’s role in the process is first to determine whether the petition language contains a single issue and secondly, to prescribe the official ballot language and any missing arguments for each statewide issue.
HOW ARE ISSUES PUT ON THE BALLOT?
REFERENDUM
A referendum is a challenge to a bill recently passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.
- Click here to learn more about the procedure for a referendum.
CITIZEN-INITIATED STATUTE
If a citizen feels that an issue is not addressed properly (or at all) in the Ohio Constitution and the Ohio Revised Code, they can follow the procedures outlined in the Ohio Constitution and the Ohio Revised Code to submit the proposed law (statute) to the people of Ohio for a statewide vote.
- Click here to learn more about the procedure for a citizen-initiated statue.
CITIZEN-INITIATED & OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY INITIATED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
A citizen-initiated constitutional amendment is identical to the concept of a citizen-initiated statute only rather than proposing a new law (or statute) the citizen is proposing an amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
- Click here to learn more about the procedure for a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment.
The Ohio General Assembly also has the power to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot via a joint resolution.
- Click here to learn more about the procedure for a constitutional amendment initiated by the General Assembly.
ADDITIONAL BALLOT ACCESS RESOURCES
PENDING STATEWIDE BALLOT ISSUES
Current as of 7.08.2026
Referendum
There are no referenda at this time.
An Act to Control and Regulate Adult Use Cannabis
An Act to Close Loopholes in Background Checks on Gun Sales
Prohibition of Construction of a Data Center
Amendments to add Section 23 to Article I of the Ohio Constitution and to revise Section 11 of Article XV of the Ohio Constitution
Abolishment of Taxes on Real Property
Amendment to Add Section 23 to Article 1 of the Ohio Constitution
An Amendment to Replace the Current Politician-Run Redistricting Process II
An Amendment to Replace the Current Politician-Run Redistricting Process
The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety
Raise the Wage Ohio Amendment (2022)
Medical Right to Refuse Amendment
The Nursing Facility Patients’ Bill of Rights
The Lifetime General Assembly Term Limits Amendment
The Secure and Fair Elections Amendment (Resubmission)
Raise the Wage Ohio Amendment (2020)
Short-Term Loan Consumer Protection
Marijuana Rights and Regulations
The Neighborhood Safety, Drug Treatment, and Rehabilitation Amendment
The Ohio Community Rights Amendment
The Initiative and Referendum Amendment for Counties and Townships
The Ohio Puppy Mill Prevention Amendment
Bipartisan Congressional Redistricting Reform Amendment
Ohio Cannabis Rights Proposed Constitutional Amendment II
Ohioans For Medical Marijuana Constitutional Amendment
Ethics First Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Clean Energy Proposed Constitutional Amendment V
Clean Energy Proposed Constitutional Amendment IV
Strengthening Term Limits on State Legislators
Legalize Marijuana and Hemp in Ohio
Ohio Cannabis Rights Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Voter Bill of Rights Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Freedom To Marry Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Clean Energy Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Clean Energy Proposed Constitutional Amendment II
Clean Energy Proposed Constitutional Amendment III
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Summary and Full Text (PDF)
Workplace Freedom Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Ohio Medical Cannabis Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Personhood Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Ohio Alternative Medical Treatment Proposed Constitutional Amendment
To Fund Public Infrastructure Capital Improvements by Permitting the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds
Elevating Standards to Qualify for and Pass Constitutional Amendments
OHIO BALLOT BOARD
The Ohio Ballot Board prescribes and certifies the ballot language for proposed Constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referenda and oversees efforts to inform voters of proposed ballot issues. The Secretary of State chairs the five member board and the office of the Secretary of State provides professional, technical, and clerical support for the Board.
Several requirements must be met before a proposed statewide issue can be placed on the ballot. Those procedures can be found here. The Ohio Ballot Board’s role in the process is first to determine whether the petition language contains a single issue and secondly, to prescribe the official ballot language and any missing arguments for each statewide issue.
Ohio Ballot Board Members
The Honorable Frank LaRose, Chairperson
Ohio Secretary of State
180 East Broad Street, 16th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
The Honorable Theresa Gavarone (R-SD2)
Ohio Senate
Ohio Senate Appointee
1 Capitol Square, Second Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2025
The Honorable William P. DeMora (D-SD25)
Ohio Senate
Ohio Senate Appointee
Statehouse
1 Capitol Square
Ground Floor 052
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2025
William N. Morgan
Ohio House Appointee
8740 Stoutsville Pike
Stoutsville, Ohio 43154
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2025
The Honorable Elliot Forhan
Ohio House
Ohio House Appointee
77 S. High St., Floor 10
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Ballot Board Term ends February 1, 2025
Term ending dates listed above reflect the end of the four-year Ballot Board term as prescribed by Ohio Revised Code §3505.061(B)(1)(opens in a new window). However, please note that the term of a Ballot Board member who is also a member of the Ohio General Assembly is the earlier of the following dates: (a) The ending date of the ballot board term for which the member was appointed; or (b) The ending date of the member’s term as a member of the general assembly. Ohio Revised Code §3505.061(B)(2)(opens in a new window).