Ohioans will vote on three important statewide ballot issues on November 8, 2011. The Libertarian Party of Ohio has clear recommendations for liberty-minded voters on issues on Issues 1 and 3, while its leadership is split on the controversial—and complex—Issue 2.

Issue 1

If approved, Issue 1 would raise the maximum age when one can become a judge from 70 to 75. Because we believe that there should be no maximum age limit for holding public office, the LPO supports a “yes” vote on Issue 1.

Issue 2

According to the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund, Issue 2 would: “Affect public employees, in particular, teachers, firefighters and police. Prohibit public employees from striking, eliminate binding arbitration as a way to settle contract disputes, require performance based pay for teachers, establish a minimum that public employees must pay for health insurance and pensions, allow the governing body (public employer) to impose its own last offer to settle a contract dispute.”

A “yes” vote on Issue 2 would affirm Senate Bill 5, which was signed into law by Governor Kasich this year, and enact the provisions stated above.

An informal poll of LPO leaders found that a significant majority supports a “yes” vote on Issue 2 as a way to help limit government spending, which is spiraling out of control at all levels in the state, by limiting the power of unions to demand unsustainable pay and benefit increases and block much-needed education and government reforms.

A vocal minority of LPO leaders, however, advocate a “no” vote on Issue 2 on the grounds that it limits government workers’ rights to peacefully associate.

All LPO leaders agree that this difficult choice is brought on by the excessive growth of government throughout Ohio, and that liberty-loving individuals should carefully reflect on the issue before casting the vote that they honestly believe is consistent with the principles of liberty.

Issue 3

Passage of Issue 3 would make it illegal for Ohioans to be forced to buy health insurance or participate in any health care system. This attempt to block key provisions of Obamacare would likely be challenged in federal court, but it would be a clear signal that Ohioans wish to assert their 10^th Amendment rights against a blatantly unconstitutional and potentially disastrous overhaul of a huge portion of the national economy that would greatly diminish personal liberty for every American. The LPO strongly urges a “yes” vote on Issue 3.