Ohio Constitution - Table of Proposed Constitutional Amendments

Ohio Constitutional Law and History Webpage, Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Steven H. Steinglass

TABLE OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS & VOTE

(Appendix B from The Ohio State Constitution, A Reference Guide, Steven H. Steinglass & Gino J. Scarselli , KFO401 1851 .A6 S74 2004 )

The following Table of Proposed Constitutional Amendments was originally published in Thomas R. Swisher, ed., Ohio Constitution Handbook (Cleveland: Banks-Baldwin Law Publishing Co., 1990), 597, and also appears in Baldwin’s Ohio Revised Code Annotated Constitution of the State of Ohio, Table of Proposed Amendments to Ohio Constitution (West Group 2004)(hereinafter West Table of Proposed Amendments). The table has been updated and has been modified to include the vote totals, which are taken from Isaac F. Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio: Amendments and Proposed Amendments. (Cleveland, Arthur H. Clark Co., 1912), and from historical election data on file with the Ohio Secretary of State. The Table is reprinted in this modified form with the permission of West Publishing, a Thomson business.

Abbreviations: ‘GA’ = General Assembly; ‘CC’ = Constitutional Convention; ‘IP’ = Initiative Petition. Bracketed notes in superscript (e.g., ‘[x]’) following some of the entries are explained at the end of the table.

The asterisks (‘*’) following the results of a number of amendments from 1857 through 1908 indicate that the amendment received a majority of votes cast in its favor but did not meet the constitutional requirement in effect at the time under Article. XVI, section 1, which required that to be ratified an amendment proposed by the General Assembly had to receive a majority of votes cast in the election and not simply a majority of the votes cast on the proposed amendment. Of the 30 amendments that failed during this period, 19 would have been adopted but for this supermajority requirement.

Date of Election	Proposed by	Subject (and link to the ballot text, where available)	Art. & Sec. Affected	Result	Votes
1857
10-13-1857	GA	Annual Sessions of the General Assembly	II:25	Failed*	yeas 151,202 nays 31,890
10-13-1857	GA	Changes to District Courts	IV:5,6	Failed*	yeas 156,646 nays 30,039
10-13-1857	GA	Equal Taxation for Banks and Individuals	XII:2,3	Failed*	yeas 160,470 nays 20,609
10-13-1857	GA	Grant General Assembly Greater Control over Corporations	XIII:1,2	Failed*	yeas 123,229 nays 35,973
10-13-1857	GA	Single Legislative Districts	XI	Failed*	yeas 147,260 nays 32,657
1859
10-11-1859	GA	Annual Sessions of the General Assembly	II:25	Failed*	yeas 101,178 nays 75,394
1867
10-8-1867	GA	Deny right to vote to Union draft doggers and deserters, and persons who fought for Confederacy	V:1	Failed	yeas 216,987 nays 255,340
1874
8-18-1874	CC	Adopt new constitution to replace 1851 Constitution		Failed	yeas 102,885 nays 250,169
8-18-1874	CC	Minority representation on Supreme Court and circuit courts		Failed	yeas 73,615 nays 259,415
8-18-1874	CC	Aid to railroads		Failed	yeas 45,416 neas 296,658
8-18-1874	CC	License of liquor traffic		Failed	yeas 172,252 nays 179,538
1875
10-12-1875	GA	Commission to help dispose of Supreme Court's case backlog	IV:22	Approved	yeas 339,076 nays 98,561
	GA	Provide for tax on dogs	XII:7	Failed*	yeas 278,005 nays 73,801
1877
10-9-1877	GA	Reorganize court system	IV:1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18; XI:12, 13	Failed	yeas 54,896 nays 268,478
1879
10-14-1879	GA	Modify district court organization	IV:3, 5	Failed	yeas 159,630 nays 163,639
10-14-1879	GA	Change time for the election of members of the General Assembly	II:2[a]	Failed*	yeas166,285 nays 158,642
10-14-1879	GA	Change time for the election of state officers	III:1[a]	Failed*	yeas 162,728 nays 155,257
10-14-1879	GA	Change time for the election of township trustees	X:4[a]	Failed*	yeas 197,223 nays 130,455
1883
10-9-1883	GA	Replace district courts with circuit courts; modify organization of Supreme Court	IV:1, 2, 5,6	Approved	yeas 400,919 nays 144,335
10-9-1883	GA	Regulation and taxation of liquor traffic [b]		Failed	yeas 99,238 nays 288,605
10-9-1883	GA	Prohibit manufacture of and traffic in liquor [b]		Failed*	yeas 323,129 nays 226,595
1885
10-13-1885	GA	Change election day to 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in November for members of the General Assembly	II:2[c]	Approved	yeas 538,858 nays 53,177
10-13-1885	GA	Change election day to 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in November	III:1[c]	Approved	yeas 536,273 nays 53,223
10-13-1885	GA	Change election day to 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in November for county officers	X:2[c]	Approved	yeas 534,660 nays 53,629
10-13-1885	GA	Provide 3-year terms for township officers	X:4	Approved	yeas 469,113 nays 59,929
1889
11-5-1889	GA	Apportion General Assembly into single districts	XI:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11	Failed	yeas 245,444 nays 259,420
11-5-1889	GA	Re: taxing power of General Assembly	XII:2	Failed	yeas 245,438 nays 273,268
11-5-1889	GA	Provide for biennial elections	II:25; III:18; IV:2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 16; VIII:12; X:2, 4; XVI:3	Failed*	yeas 257,662 nays 254,215
1891
11-3-1891	GA	Taxation of real estate, and tangible and intangible personal property; exemptions	XII:2	Failed*	yeas 303,177 nays 65,014
1893
11-7-1893	GA	Apportion General Assembly into single district	XI:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11	Failed*	yeas 322,887 nays 81,481
11-7-1893	GA	Taxation of real estate, and tangible and intangible personal property; exemptions	XII:2	Failed*	yeas 322,422 nays 82,281
1903
11-3-1903	GA	Classify cities as 1st, 2nd and 3rd class by population	XIII:6	Failed	yeas 21,664 nays 32,110
11-3-1903	GA	Stockholders liable only for unpaid stock	XIII:3	Approved	yeas 751,783 nays 29,383
11-3-1903	GA	Classification of property for tax purposes	XII:2	Failed*	yeas 326,622 nays 43,563
11-3-1903	GA	Confer veto power on Governor	II:16	Approved	yeas 458,681 nays 338,317
11-3-1903	GA	Apportionment of General Assembly giving each county at least one representative	XI:2	Approved	yeas 757,505 nays 26,497
1905
11-7-1905	GA	Election of state and county officers in even years, other officers in odd years; terms; vacancies; incumbents	XVII:1, 2, 3	Approved	yeas 702,699 nays 90,762
11-7-1905	GA	Taxation; state, local and school bonds exempt	XII:2	Approved	yeas 655,508 nays 139,062
1908
11-3-1908	GA	Modify Governor's veto power	II:16, 18	Failed*	yeas 323,770 nays 61,754
11-3-1908	GA	When sessions of General Assembly to begin	II:25	Failed*	yeas 328,362 nays 63,006
11-3-1908	GA	General Assembly's power to tax; classification of property for taxation	XII:2	Failed*	yeas 339,747 nays 95,867
1912
9-3-1912 [d]	CC	Remove double liability of stockholders; inspection of private banks Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XIII:3	Approved	yeas 377,272 nays 156,688
9-3-1912	CC	Provide for land title registration and warranty Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:40	Approved	yeas 346,373 nays 171,807
9-3-1912	CC	Investigations by each house of General Assembly Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:8	Approved	yeas 348,779 nays 175,337
9-3-1912	CC	Mandate direct primaries for most elective offices Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	V:7	Approved	yeas 349,801 nays 183,112
9-3-1912	CC	Provide for laws re: work hours, minimum wage, and comfort, health, safety and general welfare of employees Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:34	Approved	yeas 353,588 nays 189,728

9-3-1912	CC	Provide alternate procedure for removal of officials for misconduct Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:38	Approved	yeas 347,333 nays 185,986
9-3-1912	CC	Prohibit limiting wrongful death damages Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	I:19a	Approved	yeas 355,605 nays 195,216
9-3-1912	CC	Regulate expert testimony in criminal cases Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:39	Approved	yeas 336,987 nays 185,458
9-3-1912	CC	Allow civil verdicts on concurrence of 3/4 of jury Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	I:5	Approved	yeas 345,686 nays 203,953
9-3-1912	CC	Regulate state printing Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XV:2	Approved	yeas 319,612 nays 192,378
9-3-1912	CC	Governor to limit purpose of special session of General Assembly Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	III:8	Approved	yeas319,100 nays 192,130
9-3-1912	CC	Promote conservation of natural resources Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:36	Approved	yeas 318,192 nays 191,893
9-3-1912	CC	Regulate insurance Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	VIII:6	Approved	yeas 321,388 nays 196,628
9-3-1912	CC	Abolish prison contract labor Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:41	Approved	yeas 333,034 nays 215,208
9-3-1912	CC	Provide for workmen's compensation system Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:35	Approved	yeas 321,558 nays 211,772
9-3-1912	CC	Adopt civil service; competitive examinations; merit promotion Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XV:10	Approved	yeas 306,767 nays 204,580
9-3-1912	CC	Require 8-hour day on public works Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:37	Approved	yeas 333,308 nays 232,899
9-3-1912	CC	Allow waiver of sovereign immunity Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	I:16	Approved	yeas 306,764 nays 216,634
9-3-1912	CC	Regulate corporations; sale of personal property Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XIII:2	Approved	yeas 300,466 nays 212,704
9-3-1912	CC	Provide for municipal home rule Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XVIII:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14	Approved	yeas 301,861 nays 215,120
9-3-1912	CC	Organization of boards of education Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	VI:3	Approved	yeas 298,460 nays 213,337
9-3-1912	CC	License liquor traffic Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XV:9	Approved	yeas 273,361 nays 188,825
9-3-1912	CC	Abolish board of public works Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	VIII:12	Approved	yeas 296,635 nays 214,829
9-3-1912	CC	Adopt initiative and referendum Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g	Approved	yeas 312,592 nays 231,312
9-3-1912	CC	Common pleas judge for each county Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	IV:3, 7, 12, 15	Approved	yeas 301,891 nays 223,287
9-3-1912		Allow depositions in criminal cases and comment on defendant’s failure to testify Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	I:10	Approved	yeas 291,717 nays 227,547
9-3-1912	CC	Schedule of effective dates Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	Schedules	Approved	yeas 275,062 nays 213,979
9-3-1912	CC	Permit mechanics' and materialmen's liens Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:33	Approved	yeas 278,582 nays 242,385
9-3-1912	CC	Modify Governor's veto power Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	II:16	Approved	yeas 282,412 nays 254,186
9-3-1912	CC	Methods of amending constitution Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XVI:1, 2, 3	Approved	yeas 271,827 nays 246,687
9-3-1912	CC	Reorganize court system; substitute courts of appeals for circuit courts Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	IV:1, 2, 6	Approved	yeas 264,922 nays 244,375
9-3-1912	CC	Taxation; state and local government bonds; inheritance, income, franchise, and severance taxes Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XII:1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11	Approved	yeas 269,039 nays 249,864
9-3-1912	CC	Abolish justices of peace in certain cities Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	IV:9	Approved	yeas 264,832 nays 252,936
9-3-1912	CC	Superintendent of public instruction to replace commissioner of common schools Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	VI:4	Approved	yeas 256,615 nays 251,946
9-3-1912	CC	Regulate outdoor advertising Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XV:11	Failed	yeas 261,361 nays 262,440
9-3-1912	CC	Expand bonded debt limit for intercounty roads Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	VIII:1	Failed	yeas 272,564 nays 274,582
9-3-1912		Limit contempt proceedings and injunctions in labor cases Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	IV:21	Failed	yeas 240,896 nays 257,302
9-3-1912	CC	Allow women to hold certain offices Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	XV:4	Failed	yeas 261,806 nays 284,370
9-3-1912	CC	Delete word "white" from voter qualifications Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	V:1	Failed	yeas 242,735 nays 265,693
9-3-1912	CC	Abolish capital punishment Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	I:9	Failed	yeas 258,706 nays 303,246
9-3-1912	CC	Allow use of voting machines Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	V:2	Failed	yeas 242,342 nays 288,652
9-3-1912	CC	Give women right to vote Copies of Amendment Language and Ballot Form	V:1	Failed	yeas 249,420 nays 336,875
1913
11-4-1913	GA	Short ballot for state officers	III:1, 2, 3	Failed	yeas 239,126 nays 461,555
11-4-1913	GA	Short ballot for county and township officers	X:1, 2	Failed	yeas 217,875 nays 449,493
11-4-1913	GA	Exempt state and local bonds from taxation	XII:12	Failed	yeas 312,232 nays 340,570
11-4-1913	GA	Women eligible to serve on boards or commissions affecting women and children	XV:4	Approved	yeas 435,222 nays 255,036
11-4-1913	IP	Provide for smaller legislature	XI:1, 2, 3, 4, 5	Failed	yeas 240,237 nays 418,114
1914
11-3-1914	IP	Home rule re: liquor	XV:9a	Approved	yeas 559,872 nays 547,254
11-3-1914	IP	Limit tax rate; classification of property for taxation	XIX:1, 2	Failed	yeas 223,873 nays 551,760
11-3-1914	IP	Give women right to vote	V:1	Failed	yeas 335,390 nays 518,295
11-3-1914	IP	Prohibit manufacture, importation and sale of alcoholic beverages	XV:9	Failed	yeas 504,177 nays 588,329
1915
11-2-1915	IP	Prohibit manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages	XV:9	Failed	yeas 484,969 nays 540,377
11-2-1915	IP	4-year elective terms for all county officers; retroactive re: incumbents	X:2	Failed	yeas 207,435 nays 604,463
11-2-1915	IP	Limit elections on twice failed constitutional amendments	XVI:4	Failed	yeas 417,384 nays 482,275
11-2-1915	GA	Exempt state and local bonds from taxation	XII:12	Failed	yeas 337,124 nays 401,083
1917
11-6-1917	IP	Prohibit manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor	XI:9	Failed	yeas 522,590 nays 588,382
1918
11-5-1918	IP	Referendum; voters may approve/reject action of legislature ratifying any proposed amendment to US Constitution	II:1	Approved	yeas 508,282 nays 315,030
11-5-1918	IP	Prohibit manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages	XV:9	Approved	yeas 463,354 nays 437,895
11-5-1918	IP	General Assembly to classify property for taxation	XII:2	Approved[e]	yeas 336,616 nays 304,399
11-5-1918	GA	General Assembly may provide against double taxation of real estate and mortgage or secured debt on real estate	XII:2	Approved[e]	yeas 479,420 nays 371,176
1919
11-4-1919	IP	Define the phrase "intoxicating liquor"	XV:1, 9	Failed	yeas 474,907 nays 504,688
11-4-1919	IP	Repeal statewide prohibition	XV:9	Failed	yeas 454,933 nays 496,876
11-4-1919	GA	Classification of property for taxation	XII:2	Failed	yeas 439,987 nays 517,245
1921
11-8-1921	GA	Provide for veterans’ bonuses	VIII:2a	Approved	yeas 949,109 nays 324,447
11-8-1921	GA	Reapportion General Assembly with 26 senate districts	XI:7	Failed	yeas 336,574 nays 518,524
11-8-1921	GA	Authorize poll tax	XII:1	Failed	yeas 244,509 nays 672,581
1922
11-7-1922	IP	Permit low-alcohol (2.75%) beverages	XV:1, 9	Failed	yeas 719,050 nays 908,522
11-7-1922	IP	Provide for debt limit for political subdivisions	VIII:13	Failed	yeas 499,203 nays 691,471
11-7-1922	IP	Provide unvoted tax rate of 15 mills; limit state tax rate to 1 mill	XII:1	Failed	yeas 475,740 nays 720,237
1923
11-6-1923	GA	Expand Industrial Commission's power re: workmen's compensation	II:35	Approved	yeas 588,851 nays 528,572
	GA	Delete "white male" from voter qualifications	V:1	Approved	yeas 536,762 nays 421,744
	GA	Authorize notice by publication of proposed constitutional amendments and laws	II:1g	Failed	yeas 351,513 nays 493,786
1925
11-3-1925	GA	Debt restrictions on political subdivisions	VIII:13	Failed	yeas 450,218 nays 535,251
11-3-1925	GA	Taxation by uniform rule of real estate and tangible property except motor vehicles	XII:2	Failed	yeas 435,944 nays 501,221
11-3-1925	GA	4-year terms for state and county officers	III:2; X:2, 3; XVII:2	Failed	yeas 325,451 nays 543,183
1926
8-10-1926	GA	Authorize municipalities to levy assessments for entire cost of public improvements	XVIII:11	Failed	yeas 234,754 nays 352,301
11-2-1926	IP	Eliminate compulsory primaries	V:7, 8	Failed	yeas 405,152 nays 743,313
1928
11-6-1928	IP	Revise judges’ compensation	IV:14	Failed	yeas 704,248 nays 1,197,324
1929
11-5-1929	GA	15-mill limit on unvoted real estate taxes	XII:2, 3	Approved	yeas 710,538 nays 510,874
1930
11-4-1930	GA	Distribution of income and inheritance taxes	XII:9	Approved	yeas 930,914 nays 574,017
1931
11-3-1931	GA	Permit state to contract debts for welfare institutions	VIII:2b	Failed	yeas 487,459 nays 766,057
1933
11-7-1933	GA	Repeal of statewide prohibition	XV:9	Approved	yeas 1,250,923 nays 578,035
11-7-1933	IP	10-mill limit on unvoted real estate taxes	XII:2	Approved	yeas 979,061 nays 661,151
11-7-1933	IP	Home rule for counties	IV:16; X:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7	Approved	yeas 846,594 nays 742,925

1934
11-6-1934	IP	No taxation of motor vehicles on which license tax paid; restrictions on license use	XII:5a	Failed	yeas 825,157 nays 883,373
11-6-1934	IP	Motor vehicle fuel taxes; use	XII:5b	Failed	yeas 760,589 nays 859,525
1936
11-3-1936	GA	Eliminate additional liability of stockholders of banking and other depository corporations	XIII:3	Approved	yeas 1,078,170 nays 824,968
11-3-1936	IP	Prohibit sales tax on food for consumption off premises	XII:12	Approved	yeas 1,585,327 nays 719,966
1938
11-8-1938	IP	Appoint instead of elect Supreme Court and court of appeals judges	IV:1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 2, 6, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18	Failed	yeas 621,011 nays 1,237,443
1939
11-7-1939	GA	Changes re State Board of Education	IV:4	Failed	yeas 747,545 nays 1,137,054
11-7-1939	IP	Re old age pensions	XII:13	Failed	yeas 464,670 nays 1,546,207
11-7-1939	IP	Change requirements for initiative petitions	II:1h	Failed	yeas 406,612 nays 1,485,919
1942
11-3-1942	GA	Re: vacancies in judicial office	IV:13	Approved	yeas 954,704 nays 448,981
1944
11-7-1944	GA	Permit temporary or substitute judges in the Supreme Court	IV:2	Approved	yeas 1,429,635 nays 611,276
11-7-1944	GA	Re jurisdiction of courts of appeals	IV:6	Approved	yeas 1,279,216 nays 633,813
1947
11-4-1947	GA	Provide veterans’ bonuses	VIII:2b	Approved	yeas 1,497,804 nays 478,701
11-4-1947	GA	6-year term for probate judges; delete requirement that compensation be paid from county treasury	IV:7; XVII:2	Approved	yeas 855,106 nays 692,061
11-4-1947	GA	Expand Sinking Fund Commission to include Governor and Treasurer of State	VIII:8	Approved	yeas 782,158 nays 762,129
11-4-1947	IP	Limit use of motor vehicle license and fuel taxes for road and related purposes	XII:5a	Approved	yeas 1,037,650 nays 669,718
1949
11-8-1949	GA	Permit more than one probate judge per county	IV:7	Failed	yeas 874,291 to 876,647
11-8-1949	IP	Adopt office-type ballot	V:2a	Approved	yeas 1,007,693 to 750,206
1951
11-6-1951	GA	Permit more than one probate judge per county	IV:7	Approved	yeas 875,083 nays 696,672
1953
11-3-1953	GA	Authorize bond issue for highway system	VIII:2c	Approved	yeas 1,035,869 nays 676,496
11-3-1953	GA	Create State Board of Education with power to appoint Superintendent of Public Instruction	VI:4	Approved	yeas 913,134 nays 693,624
11-3-1953	GA	Delete "white" re: males eligible or required to serve in state militia	IX:1	Approved	yeas 905,059 nays 650,567
11-3-1953	GA	Eliminate conflicts with US Constitution	II:1, 27	Approved	yeas 1,004,862 nays 405,210
11-3-1953	GA	Eliminate obsolete provisions re: eligibility of women for office	XV:4	Approved	yeas 1,092,268 nays 500,380
11-3-1953	GA	Adjusted compensation for WWI veterans	VIII:2a	Approved	yeas 984,014 nays 616,113
11-3-1953	GA	Repeal provision for electing militia officers	IX:2	Approved	yeas 755,725 nays 622,245
11-3-1953	GA	Repeal obsolete provisions re: 1851 commission to modernize court procedure	XIV:1, 2, 3	Approved	yeas 789,511 nays 541,477
11-3-1953	GA	Repeal obsolete provision re: incumbents in office in 1905	XVII:3	Approved	yeas 835,195 nays 493,099
1954
11-2-1954	GA	4-year terms for Governor, Lt Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State; limit Governor to two successive terms	III:2; XVII:1, 2	Approved	yeas 1,165,650 nays 933,716
11-2-1954	GA	4-year terms for senators and representatives	XI:1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11	Failed	yeas 945,373 nays 1,081,099
1955
11-8-1955	GA	Authorize bond issue for construction program for public buildings	VIII:2e	Approved	yeas 1,154,976 nays 909,030
11-8-1955	GA	Permit officer's compensation to be changed during term	II:20	Failed	yeas 793,384 nays 1,142,738
11-8-1955	GA	Permit judge's compensation to be changed during term	IV:14	Failed	yeas 849,677 nays 1,107,646
1956
11-6-1956	GA	Korean veterans’ bonuses	VIII:2d	Approved	yeas 2,202,510 nays 889,245
	GA	4-year terms for state Senators	II:2; XI:1, 6, 9, 10, 11	Approved	yeas 1,636,449 nays 1,214,643
1957
11-5-1957	GA	Permit appointment to state offices of persons not qualified as electors	XV:4	Failed	yeas 696,372 nays 1,040,638
11-5-1957	GA	Allow new Ohio residents to vote for President and Vice President	V:1	Approved	yeas 1.072,396 nays 658,244
11-5-1957	GA	Permit adoption of county charters	X:3	Approved	yeas 832,912 nays 799,094
1958
11-4-1958	GA	Permit county voters to form metropolitan federations	X:5	Failed	yeas 1,108,383 nays 1,410,277
11-4-1958	IP	Forbid closed-shop union contracts (so-called "right to work" amendment)	I:1a	Failed	yeas 1,160,324 nays 2,001,512
1959
11-3-1959	GA	Remove limitation on extra-territorial sale of water and sewer services by municipalities	XVIII:6	Approved	yeas 1,085,378 nays 775,610
11-3-1959	GA	Permit General Assembly to increase number of court of appeals judges in districts where needed	IV:6	Approved	yeas 1,028,914 nays 809,957
1961
11-7-1961	GA	Change method of filling vacancies in General Assembly	II:2	Approved	yeas 1,251,105 nays 650,064
11-7-1961	GA	Continuity of state government in case of attack	II:42	Approved	yeas 1,394,429 nays 516,992
11-7-1961	GA	Increase militia age limits; calling militia in disaster; conform to federal law	IX:1, 3, 4	Approved	yeas 947,130 nays 944,705
11-7-1961	GA	Provide for advice and consent of Senate re: appointments to office	III:21	Approved	yeas 1,168,831 nays 642,512
1962
11-6-1962	IP	Limit state's power re: Sunday closing laws Ballot Text on Microform	I:21	Failed	yeas 1,274,792 nays 1,697,433
1963
11-5-1963	GA	Authorize bond issue for public improvements	VIII:2f	Approved	yeas 1,397,971 nays 922,687
1964
5-5-1964	GA	Authorize bond issue for highways	VIII:2g	Approved	yeas 1,011,817 nays 538,684
1965
5-4-1965	GA	Guarantee college loans for Ohio residents	VI:5	Approved	yeas 847,927 nays 438,945
5-4-1965	GA	Authorize bond issue for state development	VIII:2h	Approved	yeas 715,642 nays 548,557
5-4-1965	GA	Revise apportionment of Ohio House	XI:1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11	Failed	yeas 595,288 nays 681,283
5-4-1965	GA	Guarantee loans for industrial development	VIII:13	Approved	yeas 711,031 nays 542,802
11-2-1965	GA	Authorize same judge to serve more than one court in counties under 40,000	IV:23	Approved	yeas 1,194,966 nays 1,073,671
11-2-1965	GA	Create urban service authority	X:5, 6	Failed	yeas 892,657 nays 1,346,597
1967
5-2-1967	GA	Create Ohio Bond Commission	VIII:21	Failed	yeas 508,364 nays 1,022,078
5-2-1967	GA	Change apportionment of Ohio House and Senate	II:3; XI:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10	Failed	yeas 699,021 nays 850,068
11-7-1967	GA	Apportion Ohio House and Senate into single- member districts	II:2, 3; XI:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15	Approved	yeas 1,315,736 nays 908,010

1968
5-7-1968	GA	Disposition of school and ministerial lands trust funds	VI:	Approved	yeas 847,861 nays 695,368
5-7-1968	GA	Filling vacancies in Ohio House	II:11	Approved	yeas 1,020,500 nays 487,938
5-7-1968	GA	Revise administration and organization of Ohio court system (so-called "Modern Courts Amendment")	IV:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14; XI:12, 13	Approved	yeas 925,481 nays 556,530
11-5-1968	GA	Authorize bond issue for highways and other capital improvements	VIII:2i	Approved	yeas 1,732,512 nays 1,550,959
11-5-1968	GA	Taxation; homestead exemption	XII:2	Failed	yeas 1,382,016 nays 1,825,615
1969
11-4-1969	GA	Lower voting age from 21 to 19	V:1	Failed	yeas 1,226,592 nays 1,274,334
11-4-1969	GA	Dispense with short-term elections to fill vacancies	III:18; XVII:2	Approved	yeas 1,432,960 nays 795,813
1970
11-3-1970	GA	Real estate tax homestead reduction for residents 65 and older	XII:2	Approved	yeas 2,115,557 nays 711,761
11-3-1970	GA	Reduce voter residence requirement from 1 year to 6 months	V:1	Approved	yeas 1,702,600 nays1,073,058
11-3-1970	GA	Permit notice by publication instead of mail of proposed municipal charter amendments	XVIII:9	Approved	yeas 1,326,818 nays 1,212,814
1971
11-2-1971	GA	Require notice by publication instead of mail of constitutional amendments or laws proposed or referred by initiative and referendum	II:1g	Approved	yeas 1,645,961 nays 900,549
1972
11-7-1972	IP	Re: levy or increase in income tax (except municipal income tax) without voter approval	XII:8	Failed	yeas 1,164,653 nays 2,571,516
1973
5-8-1973	GA	Authorize state lottery	XV:6	Approved	yeas 973,956 nays 547,655
5-8-1973	GA	Allow taking before payment in appropriation of property for water and sewer purposes	I:19	Failed	yeas 405,035 nays 993,245
5-8-1973	GA	Repeal disqualification from office for embezzling public funds; delete requirement re: accounting for public funds before taking legislative seat	II:5	Failed	yeas 530,232 nays 848,743
5-8-1973	GA	Repeal provision for commission to help dispose of Supreme Court's case backlog	IV:22	Failed	yeas 563,919 nays 692,623
5-8-1973	GA	Method of amending Supreme Court rules of practice and procedure	IV:5	Failed	yeas 580,106 nays 679,223
5-8-1973	GA	Re: compensation of judges	IV:6	Failed	yeas 646,384 nays 677,787
5-8-1973	GA	Revise organization, administration and procedures of General Assembly	II:4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 25	Approved	yeas 680,870 nays 572,980
11-6-1973	GA	Tax valuation of farmland according to agricultural use Ballot Text on Microform	II:36	Approved	yeas 1,810,630 nays 567,189
11-6-1973	GA	Authorize General Assembly to provide for amount of income exempt from taxation Ballot Text on Microform	XII:8	Approved	yeas 1,299,882 nays 883,123
11-6-1973	GA	Re: court organization and administration Ballot Text on Microform	IV:1, 4, 5, 6	Approved	yeas 1,317,379 nays 778,466
11-6-1973	GA	Vietnam veterans’ bonuses Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:2j	Approved	yeas 1,650,120 nays 647,629
1974
5-7-1974	GA	Re: compensation of public officers and legislators Ballot Text on Microform	II:20, 31	Failed	yeas 611,726 nays 747,518
5-7-1974	GA	Allow compensation increases for public officers with more than 2 years remaining in term Ballot Text on Microform	II:20a	Failed	yeas 365,921 nays 992,978
5-7-1974	GA	Preparing ballot language and informing voters re: proposed constitutional amendments Ballot Text on Microfilm	XVI: 1	Approved	yeas 964,885 nays 376,022
11-5-1974	GA	Real estate tax homestead reduction for disabled Ballot Text on Microform		Approved	yeas 2,266,355 nays 492,813
11-5-1974	GA	Repeal requirement that Governor appoint Public Works Superintendent for 1-year term Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:12	Approved	yeas 1,463,408 nays 995,748
11-5-1974	GA	Re industrial development revenue bonds and loan guarantee programs Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:13	Approved	yeas 1,613,444 nays 882,778
1975
11-4-1975	IP	Authorize tax incentives to industrial plants Ballot Text on Microform	XII:13	Failed	yeas 573,874 nays 2,164,957
11-4-1975	IP	Authorize bond issue for highway purposes, payable from gas tax, other highway funds, and general revenue Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:2k	Failed	yeas 439,041 nays 2,304,854
11-4-1975	IP	Re: providing state, county or municipal assistance for housing and health care Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Failed	yeas 869,437 nays 1,882,454
11-4-1975	IP	Authorize bond issue for capital improvements and other improvements in political subdivisions, payable from increased sales and use taxes and general revenue Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:21	Failed	yeas 487,326 nays 2,219,093
11-4-1975	GA	Tax valuation of recreational land according to Ballot Text on Microform	II:36a	Failed	yeas 1,014,425 nays 1,539,423
11-4-1975	GA	Give candidates reasonably equal treatment on ballot, by name rotation or otherwise Ballot Text on Microform	V:2a	Approved	yeas 1,619,219 nays 915,599
11-4-1975	GA	Voters to elect delegates to national party conventions Ballot Text on Microform	V:7	Approved	yeas 1,653,931 nays 906,156
11-4-1975	GA	State or subdivisions or agencies may lend credit to federal or state agencies to reorganize state rail system; tax reduction for railroad property Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Failed	yeas 871,726 nays 1,614,597
11-4-1975	GA	Permit charitable bingo Ballot Text on Microform	XV:6	Approved	yeas 1,405,453 nays 1,205,009
1976
6-8-1976	GA	Require joint election of Governor and Lt Governor; revise Lt Governor's duties Ballot Text on Microform	III:1a, 1b, 16; V:2a	Approved	yeas 1,085,175 nays 689,244
6-8-1976	GA	Provide rail transportation services Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Failed	yeas 775,697 nays 953,322
6-8-1976	GA	Authorize bonds for conservation of energy and energy resources Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:13	Failed	yeas 819,424 nays 833,454
6-8-1976	GA	Re qualifications of electors; remove unconstitutional and unnecessary language Ballot Text on Microform	V:1, 3, 4, 5	Approved	yeas 975,916 nays 743,060
6-8-1976	GA	Re: elections, terms of office, and vacancies; remove unnecessary language Ballot Text on Microform	XVII:1, 2	Approved	yeas 954,446 nays 668,159
6-8-1976	GA	Permit political subdivisions to pay debt from sources other than tax levies; specify property tax limitations Ballot Text on Microform	XII:7, 11	Failed	yeas 675,012 nays 890,896
6-8-1976	GA	Require at least 50% of estate taxes to be returned to political subdivisions Ballot Text on Microform	XII:4, 9	Approved	yeas 951,310 nays 699,823
6-8-1976	GA	Consolidate provisions for imposing taxes; clarify language Ballot Text on Microform	XII:3, 7, 8, 10, 12	Approved	yeas 918,450 to 712,489
11-2-1976	IP	Limit rates for gas and electricity furnished to residential consumers Ballot Text on Microform	XIX	Failed	yeas 1,247,388 nays 2,334,816
11-2-1976	IP	Representation of residential consumers re: utility regulatory actions Ballot Text on Microform	XX	Failed	yeas 1,092,781 nays 2,557,265
11-2-1976	IP	Procedures for legislative hearings and approval of safety features for nuclear power plants Ballot Text on Microform	XV:11	Failed	yeas 1,150,360 nays 2,462,000
11-2-1976	IP	Simplify initiative and referendum procedures Ballot Text on Microform	II:1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g; XIV	Failed	yeas 1,175,410 nays 2,407,960
11-2-1976	GA	Succession in case of disability or vacancy in office of Governor or Lt Governor Ballot Text on Microform	III:15, 16, 17	Approved	yeas 2,388,184 nays 1,048,967
11-2-1976	GA	Repeal obsolete provisions on public printing, dueling, and Bureau of Statistics Ballot Text on Microform	XV:2, 5, 8	Approved	yeas 2,284,178 nays 1,129,165
11-2-1976	GA	Re: declaration of election results for state officers at next regular General Assembly session Ballot Text on Microform	III:3, 4	Approved	yeas 2,297,422 nays 1,103,822
1977
11-8-1977	IP	Person entitled to vote if registered for 30 days; elector failing to vote at least once in 4 years must re-register Ballot Text on Microform	V:1	Approved	yeas 1,964,361 nays 1,225,852
11-8-1977	IP	Prohibit leghold or other traps causing prolonged suffering Ballot Text on Microform	XIX	Failed	yeas 1,169,068 nays 2,027,642
11-8-1977	GA	Authorize state and political subdivisions to lend aid and credit and issue bonds for housing Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Failed	yeas 1,120,885 nays 1,773,779
11-8-1977	GA	Revise limitations on state debt Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:1, 2, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g, 2h, 3, 7, 9, 10; XII:6	Failed	yeas 759,327 nays 1,999,791

1978
6-6-1978	GA	Ballot Board to write language for state issues; advertising proposals; initiative and referendum petitions Ballot Text on Microform	II:1g	Approved	yeas 720,661 nays 379,067
11-7-1978	GA	Modify procedures to adopt, amend or repeal county charter Ballot Text on Microform	X:4	Approved	yeas 1,297,846 nays 1,039,259
11-7-1978	GA	General Assembly to regulate prison labor; remove constitutional restrictions on sale of prison-made goods Ballot Text on Microform	II:41	Approved	yeas 1,281,941 nays1,083,814
1980
6-3-1980	GA	Authorize public financing and operation of electric utilities through non-profit corporations Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Failed	yeas 793,256 nays 1,124,596
6-3-1980	GA	State and subdivisions may borrow money to subsidize private, low cost housing Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14 or 15	Failed	yeas 797,020 nays 1,137,028
6-3-1980	GA	Authorize bond issue for highway improvements Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:2k	Failed	yeas 815,011 nays 1,084,438
6-3-1980	GA	Change method for delivering proposed municipal or county charters or amendments to voters Ballot Text on Microform	X:4; XVIII:8	Failed	yeas 868,199 nays 956,204
11-4-1980	GA	Authorize General Assembly to classify real property for taxation Ballot Text on Microform	XII:2a	Approved	yeas 1,973,344 nays 1,751,277
1981
11-3-1981	IP	Authorize private companies to sell workers’ compensation insurance	II:35	Failed	yeas 572,227 nays 3,000,028
11-3-1981	IP	Change apportionment methods for General Assembly and congressional districts	II:2; XI	Failed	yeas 1,093,485 nays 1,513,502
1982
11-2-1982	GA	Authorize bonds to subsidize low cost housing Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Approved	yeas 1,827,453 nays 1,356,336
11-2-1982	GA	High speed rail system financed by 1% sales tax Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:14	Failed	yeas 708,605 nays 2,420,593
11-2-1982	IP	Members of Public Utilities Commission to be elected; public financing of campaigns Ballot Text on Microform	XIX	Failed	yeas 1,053,274 nays 2,175,893
1983
11-8-1983	IP	Raise drinking age to 21 Ballot Text on Microform	XV:11	Failed	yeas 1,386,959 nays 1,965,469
11-8-1983	IP	Require 3/5 majority of General Assembly to raise taxes Ballot Text on Microform	II:15	Failed	yeas 1,354,320 nays 1,967,129
11-8-1983	IP	Repeal all taxes Approved since 1982 Ballot Text on Microform	XII:3a	Failed	yeas 1,452,061 nays 1,883,270
1985
11-5-1985	GA	Authorize bond issue to finance coal research Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:15	Approved	yeas 1,439,344 nays 807,647
1987
11-3-1987	GA	Entire net proceeds of state lottery to be used for support of education Ballot Text on Microform	XV:6	Approved	yeas 1,984,905 nays 564,421
11-3-1987	GA	Permit state to finance or assist local governments to improve roads, water, sewer, and waste collection and treatment facilities Ballot Text on Microform	VIII:2k	Approved	yeas 1,674,913 nays 689,383
11-3-1987	IP	Appoint instead of elect Supreme Court and court of appeals judges Ballot Text on Microform	IV:6, 7, 13	Failed	yeas 878,683 nays1,600,588
1989
11-7-1989	GA	Method for filling vacancy in office of Lt Governor	III:17a	Approved	yeas 1,641,719 nays 873,114
1990
11-6-1990	GA	Authorize public financial support for low-cost housing	VIII:16	Approved	yeas 1,705,528 nays 1,517,466
11-6-1990	GA	Extend homestead exemption to surviving spouses	XII:2	Approved	yeas 2,967,935 nays 372,950
11-6-1990	IP	License casino gambling with voter approval	XV:6	Failed	yeas 1,270,387 nays 2,098,725
1992
11-3-1992	IP	Term limits for state senators and representatives	II:2; V:9	Approved	yeas 2,982,285 nays 1,378,009
11-3-1992	IP	Term limits for state executive branch officers other than governor	III:2; V:9	Approved	yeas 3,028,288 nays 1,349,244
11-3-1992	IP	Term limits for US senators and representatives	V:8;V:9	Approved[f]	yeas 2,897,123 nays 1,476,461
1993
11-2-1993	GA	Authorize bond issue for capital improvements for parks, conservation and natural resources	VIII:2l	Approved	yeas 1,547,841 nays 1.008.172
1994
11-8-1994	GA	Protect rights of crime victims	I:10a	Approved	yeas 2,447,260 nays 704,650
11-8-1994	GA	Eliminate intermediate appeal and provide for direct appeal to Supreme Court in death penalty cases	IV:2, 3	Approved	yeas 2,199,791 nays 936,323
11-8-1994	GA	Protect viability of prepaid tuition program and prevent federal taxation of program income	VI:6	Approved	yeas 1,816,087 nays 1,191,116
11-8-1994	IP	Repeal soft drink excise tax	XII:13	Approved	yeas 2,228,874 nays 1,126,728
1995
11-7-1995	GA	Limit Unrestricted Power of Governor to Commute Sentences	III:11	Approved	yeas 1,816,213 nays 742,590
11-7-1995	GA	Public Works and Highways; Issuance of Obligations	VIII:2m	Approved	yeas 1,408,834 nays 865,698

1996
11-5-1996	IP	Allow river boat casino gambling	XV:6	Failed	yeas 1,639,955 nays 2,659,076 county breakdown***
1997
11-4-1997	GA	Denial of bail to persons charged with certain felonies	I:9	Approved	yeas 2,168,949 nays 803,658 county breakdown***
1998
5-5-1998	GA	Authorize the state to issue bonds for school facilities	VIII:2n,17	Failed[g]	yeas 714,823 nays 1,101,625 county breakdown***
1999
11-2-1999	GA	Authorize the state to issue bonds for school facilities	VIII:2n , 17	Approved[g]	yeas 1,285,277 nays 828,426 county breakdown***
2000
11-7-2000	GA	Issuance of bonds for environmental conservation	VIII:2o	Approved	yeas 2,196,068 nays 1,628,022 county breakdown***
2002
11-5-2002	IP	Treatment in lieu of incarceration for certain drug offenders	IV:24	Failed	yeas 1,012,682 nays 2,048,770 county breakdown***
2003
11-4-2003	GA	Authorize the state to issue bonds for science and technology	VIII:2p	Failed	yeas 1,224,439 nays 1,178,595 county breakdown***
2004
11-2-2004	IP	Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions.	XV:11	Passed	yeas 3,329,335 nays 2,065,462 county breakdown***
2005
11-8-2005	GA	Create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Ohio.	VIII:2p	Passed	yeas 1,512,669 nays 1,282,571 county breakdown***
11-8-2005	IP	Expand to all Ohio registered voters the option to vote up to 35 days prior to Election Day by mail or in person at the appropriate local board of elections.	XVII:6	Failed	yeas 1,065,109 nays 1,840,658 county breakdown***
11-8-2005	IP	To restore confidence, level the playing field and reduce the influence of big money contributors in politics by significantly limiting campaign contributions to statewide and state legislative candidates and political parties.	XVII:5	Failed	yeas 955,334 nays 1,927,502 county breakdown***
11-8-2005	IP	To restore competitiveness to Congressional and State legislative races in Ohio.	XI	Failed	yeas 871,898 nays 2,005,952 county breakdown***
11-8-2005	IP	To create a bi-partisan and independent state board of elections supervisors to administer elections similar to the county boards of elections.	XVII:4	Failed	yeas 854,918 nays 2,001,983 county breakdown***
2006
11-7-2006	IP	Raise the State Minimum Wage	II:34a	Passed	yeas 2,205,850 nays 1,687,996 county breakdown***
11-7-2006	IP	Provide moneys for scholarships/education funding by permitting limited gaming.	XV:12	Failed	yeas 1,753,452 nays 2,286,840 county breakdown***
11-7-2006	IP	To provide a smoking ban in enclosed areas with certain exceptions.	XV:12	Failed	yeas 1,450,164 nays 2,590,448 county breakdown***
2008
11-4-2008	GA	To Provide for earlier filing deadlines for statewide ballot issues (Issue One)	II:1a, 1b, 1c, 1g	Passed	yeas 3,261,912 nays 1,489,311 county breakdown for all 2008 issues
11-4-2008	GA	To authorize the state to issue bonds to continue the Clear Ohio program for environmental revitalization and conservation (Issue Two)	VIII:2q	Passed	yeas 3,418,883 nays 1,530,843
11-4-2008	GA	To protect private property rights in ground water, lakes and other watercourses (Issue Three)	I:19b	Passed	yeas 3,485,895 nays 1,359,697
11-4-2008	IP	For a casino near Wilmington in Southwest Ohio and distribute to all Ohio counties a tax on the casino (Issue Six)	XV:6a	Failed	yeas 1,981,490 nays 3,352,931

** Text of the ballot language for these proposed amendments is available on microform: State constitutional conventions, commissions & amendments, Base Level Microforms, Drawer NN5. Also see the print index for this microform set: KF4529.S74 1989 and KF4529.S74.

***County breakdowns of votes are available on the Ohio Secretary of State's webpage back to 1996- see Election Results

a These three amendments proposed in 1879 are not listed in Swisher, Ohio Constitution Handbook, 597, or in the West Table of Proposed Amendments, but they are included in Patterson, The Constitutions of Ohio, 245-46.

b The West Table of Proposed Amendments and the Swisher, Ohio Constitution Handbook do not include either of these amendments proposed in 1883. But see Patterson, The Ohio Constitutions, 249-50.

c The West Table of Proposed Amendments and the Swisher, Ohio Constitution Handbook list these three amendments proposed in 1885 as a single amendment, but Patterson lists them as a single amendment submitted as three separate propositions. See Patterson, The Ohio Constitutions, 254. The above table lists them separately since each was subject to a separate vote.

d The above table lists the proposed amendments resulting from the 1912 Convention in order of the percentage of votes cast in favor of the amendment at the September 3, 1912, election. The amendment removing double liability for stockholders is listed first as 71% of the electorate voted in favor of its adoption. The amendment on women’s suffrage is listed last since it received only a 43% favorable vote.

e The voters adopted both of the proposed 1918 amendments to Article XII, section 2, and the table lists both as having been adopted. However, the Ohio Supreme Court held that the amendment proposed by the General Assembly would take effect over the conflicting amendment proposed by initiative petition because, pursuant to Art. II, section 1b, the former received a larger number of affirmative votes. See State ex rel. Greenlund v. Fulton, 99 Ohio St. 168, 124 N.E. 172 (1919).

f The 1992 amendment establishing term limits for U.S. Senators and Representatives from Ohio never went into effect because the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, 514 U.S. 779 (1995), held unconstitutional state limitations on the terms for U.S. Senators and Representatives. This decision, however, did not address term limits for state officials, and term limits for state senators, state representatives, and state executive branch officers remain in effect.

g The West Table of Proposed Amendments lists two separate amendments in 1998 and 1999 on school financing. The West Table divides each year’s amendment into two parts, one dealing with facilities for schools and institutions of higher education (Art. VIII, section 2n) and one dealing with limitations on the debt issued by the state (Art. VIII, section 17). The above table lists each year’s proposed amendments as single proposals for the years 1998 and 1999, because only one amendment each year was submitted to the voters.