Ballot Measures Approved by the People
Ohioans have used their statewide initiative and referendum powers to directly adopt policies that enjoyed broad voter support. Since 1912, the people have approved citizen-initiated constitutional amendments and initiated statutes, plus they have rejected laws through the referendum power.
Below are more in-depth looks at particular measures, followed by a full list of every successful citizen-led measure in Ohio - since 1977.
Election Date:
November 7, 2023
Initiative Name:
Reproductive Freedom Amendment
Votes YES:
2,227,384
56.8%
Votes NO:
1,695,480
43.2%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
A constitutional amendment that establishes the right "make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions" - rights to make decisions on abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, as well as continuing pregnancy. Abortion could only be restricted by the State in cases where the treating physician determined the unborn child to be viable and only if the physician does not consider the abortion necessary to protect the pregnant woman's life or health.
Election Date:
November 7, 2023
Initiative Name:
Marijuana Legalization Initiative
Votes YES:
2,226,399
57.2%
Votes NO:
1,666,316
42.8%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Indirect Initiated State Statute
Summary:
For adults aged 21 and above, legalized and provided for the regulation of recreational marijuana including cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, and home growth.
Election Date:
November 7, 2017
Initiative Name:
Marsy’s Law
Votes YES:
1,921,172
82.6%
Votes NO:
404,957
17.4%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
It repealed & replaced Section 10a of Article I of the Constitution of the State of Ohio to provide crime victims with a more specific list of rights.
Election Date:
November 8, 2011
Initiative Name:
Health Care Freedom Amendment
Votes YES:
2,268,470
65.6%
Votes NO:
1,190,385
34.4%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Originally rejected by the Ballot Board as two separate amendments, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled on April 29, 2010 the amendment could appear as one amendment. Signature collection efforts resulted in a 2011 constitutional amendment that prohibits State of Ohio from compelling participation in a healthcare system; from banning purchase of healthcare / health insurance & from enacting penalties for the sale or purchase of healthcare / health insurance.
Election Date:
November 3, 2009
Initiative Name:
Casino Amendment
Votes YES:
1,713,288
53.0%
Votes NO:
1,519,636
47.0%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
After four previous attempts (1990, 1996, 2006, 2008) to pass a casino issue failed, a constitutional amendment was approved that established a casino in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Toledo.
Election Date:
November 7, 2006
Initiative Name:
Smoke Free Ohio
Votes YES:
2,370,314
58.5%
Votes NO:
1,679,833
41.5%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Indirect Initiated State Statute
Summary:
Restricts smoking in most public places as well as places of employment by enacting Chapter 3794 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Election Date:
November 7, 2006
Initiative Name:
Minimum Wage Increase
Votes YES:
2,205,929
56.6%
Votes NO:
1,688,029
43.4%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Raised minimum wage to $6.85 per hour in January, 2007 while also stipulating annual increases based on the rate of inflation for the twelve month period prior.
Election Date:
November 8, 1994
Initiative Name:
Prohibit Taxes on Soft Drinks
Votes YES:
2,228,874
66.4%
Votes NO:
1,126,728
33.6%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Prohibits tax on soft drinks, other carbonated beverages and nonalcoholic beverages.
Election Date:
November 3, 1992
Initiative Name:
Term Limits Ohio State Legislature
Votes YES:
2,982,285
68.4%
Votes NO:
1,378,009
31.6%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Limits persons holding the office of Ohio State Senator to two successive terms of four years and State Representative to four successive terms of two years with a term considered to be successive unless it is separated by a period of four or more years.
Election Date:
November 3, 1992
Initiative Name:
Term Limits Ohio State Executives
Votes YES:
3,028,288
69.2%
Votes NO:
1,349,244
30.8%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Limits persons holding the office of lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer of state, attorney general, or auditor to two successive terms of four years with a term considered to be successive unless it is separated by a period of four or more years.
Election Date:
November 3, 1992
Initiative Name:
Term Limits Ohio Congressional Representatives
Votes YES:
2,897,123
66.2%
Votes NO:
1,476,461
33.8%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Limits persons holding the office of US Senator from Ohio to two successive terms of six years and US Representative from Ohio to four successive terms of two years with a term considered to be successive unless it is separated by a period of four or more years.
Note: US Supreme Court, in a May 1995 decision of 5-4, in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton ruled states cannot impose restrictions on its representatives to the federal government beyond those provided in the US Constitution thus striking down this amendment.
Election Date:
November 8, 1977
Initiative Name:
Voter Registration & Voting Eligibility Amendment
Votes YES:
1,964,361
61.6%
Votes NO:
1,225,852
38.4%
Measure Type:
Citizen Initiative — Constitutional Amendment
Summary:
Allows qualified voters that have been registered to vote for 30 days to vote in all elections and requires electors to re-register to vote if they have not voted in four years.
