As the November 2024 elections approach, Cuyahoga County residents will be asked to vote on several important ballot issues. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and what they mean for our community:
Ballot Issue 1: End Gerrymandering in Ohio
Ohio’s voting districts have been manipulated by gerrymandering, which is like playing a soccer game where one team’s goal is much bigger than the other’s—it’s simply not fair. Politicians are drawing district maps that favor their party, leaving voters with unfair elections. Issue 1 aims to change that.
Voting yes on Issue 1 means supporting the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment, which will ensure district maps are drawn fairly and transparently. Here’s what it will do:
- Create an independent Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission with 15 members from across the state—Democrats, Republicans, and independents—representing diverse communities.
- Ban politicians and lobbyists from being involved in drawing the maps, making sure the process stays fair and unbiased.
- Ensure that voting districts are drawn impartially, without favoring any political party or politician.
- Promote transparency by requiring the Commission to operate in an open process.
If passed, Issue 1 will allow voters to choose their politicians, not vice versa.
Ballot Issue 49: Cleveland Municipal School District Bond Issue and Tax Levy
Cleveland’s public schools are looking for much-needed upgrades, and Issue 49 addresses this through a bond issue and tax levy to fund improvements. If approved, the Cleveland Municipal School District will:
- Issue bonds worth $295 million to renovate and improve school buildings and facilities, with repayment over the next 35 years.
- Increase property taxes to fund this, estimated to be $93 for every $100,000 of taxable property value.
This funding is crucial to ensure students have safe, modern learning environments.
Ballot Issue 55: Replacing the Excise Tax on Cigarettes for Cuyahoga Arts and Culture
This county-wide proposal would replace the current excise tax on cigarettes with a new, slightly higher tax to support arts and culture in Cuyahoga County. Here’s what it means:
- The new tax would be 3.5 cents per cigarette, up from the current 1.5 cents.
- The revenue from this tax would fund grants to help arts and cultural organizations with operating and capital expenses, such as renovations or equipment upgrades.
- This tax would last for 10 years and would replace the existing tax that still has two more years to run.
Voting yes on Issue 55 means supporting local arts and cultural organizations and helping them thrive.
Remember, these issues affect our community directly, so research and make your voice heard this November!