Ballot change becomes an issue

WDTN TV

Updated: Oct 1, 2012 10:48 AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WDTN) — Ohio is working to clear up more confusion with regard to upcoming elections.  Thursday  the Ohio Ballot Board met to reword Issue 2 which has to do with redistricting.

Another day another controversy or so it seems when it comes to conducting elections in Ohio.  Issue 2 would establish a 12-member commission to draw legislative and congressional districts. Right now lawmakers do that. The process to many people is considered too political.

So in response to an Ohio Supreme Court ruling that found fault with the wording of Issue 2 the Ohio Ballot Board approved more extensive language to try to offer more complete information to you the voter.

The problem is it might be so much language there's concern it will discourage people from reading through the issue and actually voting.  It also appears the change will prove costly to boards of elections. But the State Supreme Court said it is just as important to know who would appoint the commission as it is the makeup of the commission.

Secretary of State Jon Husted said, "We don't really have a lot of latitude in the matter at this point in time.  We are following what the court is asking us to do."

If you vote yes you are telling the state you want to make a change and you no longer want lawmakers drawing the maps.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections told 2 NEWS this change in ballot language is going to be costly.    Deputy Director Steve Harsman told me already he estimates five days of labor in preparing the ballots have been wasted.  That's your money.

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