Advocates failed to win approval for four electoral reforms on the ballot in a year tainted by scandals in Ohio government, including an investment scheme in a rare coin fund, dubbed “Coingate,” and Gov. Bob Taft’s (R) guilty pleas for not reporting dozens of free golf outings with lobbyists.
- Redistricting (lost 70-30) – would have taken the power to draw legislative and congressional districts away from a panel of five elected officials and put it in the hands of non-politicians.
- Absentee ballots (lost 63-37) – would have let voters cast absentee ballots as early as 35 days before an election without giving a reason
- Campaign finance (lost 67-33) – would have rescinded higher contribution limits passed by legislators last year
- Elections (lost 70-30) – would have created a State Board of Elections to oversee voting, taking the duty away from the secretary of state
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