Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Issue 1

Amending the U.S. Constitution requires a proposal by a two-thirds vote of both housesof Congress; the amendment must then be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures. Theframers designed it this way “to ensure that amendments reflect the settled opinion and will ofthe people.”

The debate about Issue 1 reflects a fundamental misunderstanding about the purpose of aconstitution in a representative democracy. Many of those opposed to raising the threshold foramendments to the Ohio Constitution to 60% characterize Issue 1 as an “assault on democracy.”

Of course, the majority of those opposed to Issue 1 are also supporters of an amendment thatwould enshrine abortion access in the state constitution. Ironically, should Issue 1 be voted downon Aug. 8, supporters of this amendment would be happy to remove the issue from democraticchoice on Nov. 7 by making abortion a constitutional right with only the requirement of asimple majority.

The issue of abortion is about the furthest thing from “settled opinion” when considering all thepolitical debates currently taking place across the country.

Those who support the abortion amendment should take the intervening time between now andthe next election to persuade their fellow citizens about the merits of their position and, if theyare successful, they may elect lawmakers who will be more sympathetic to their position andlegislate accordingly.

However, if the purpose of a constitution is indeed to reflect the “settled opinion and will of the people,” then it’s clear that this amendment does not pass muster. If the current society expresses its wishes through the legislature, it’s the job of the constitution to place limits on the current society.

I encourage all voters who believe in a representative democracy to cast a “yes” vote on Issue 1.

Peter Lienert, Lake Township

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Issue 1