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Pope Francis said that "democracy requires participation and involvement on the part of all." On August 8, Ohio will hold a special election that if approved would require 60% of voters to pass a new constitutional amendment, instead of a simple majority of 50% plus one.
It would also add obstacles to getting an issue on the ballot.
This does not sound like democracy. It sounds more like powerful institutions and political leaders trying to rig the system.
Ohio allows citizens to take amendments directly to the ballot, as in "we the people". According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, this right was given to Ohioans 111 years ago as an effort to get rid of corruption and make the government more responsive to the voice of the citizens.
If Issue 1 passes it would make this more difficult.
This is not about the right to life. If and when abortion becomes an issue to be voted on, those who oppose it can voice their opinion at the polls.
That is democracy as defined by Pope Francis.
Democracies are fragile and we need to make a commitment to making full, equal participation in political life a moral priority.
This is not about when life begins, it is about when democracy dies. Vote NO on August 9.