The Next Union Battlefield In Ohio: The Ballot Box (referendum on SB 5 - which Dems should win!)

[highplainsdem]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/the-next-union-battlefield-in-ohio-the-ballot-box.php

-snip-

But, thanks to the eccentricities of Ohio law, passage in the House doesn't mean SB 5 is guaranteed to go into effect. Though they more than likely can't stop it in the legislature, the opposition can potentially block its implementation by promising to take it on at the ballot box. That means the fight over SB 5 could extend for months -- maybe even all the way to November, 2012.

Union leaders and Democrats have already begun shifting their focus to a referendum fight, which would require union supporters to gather hundreds of thousands of signatures in the days following an expected signing of SB 5 by Gov. John Kasich (R).

-snip-

What comes next could be a long game for both sides. Even if Kasich sings SB 5 next week as many expect he will, it will be at least 90 days until the law goes into effect. That period will give the opponents of the bill the chance to gather the 231,147 signatures (based on 6% of the vote total in the 2010 gubernatorial race, as state law requires) they'll need to put a repeal referendum on the ballot. They can start the process with just 1,000 signatures. The entire process is outlined here.

Just when an SB 5 repeal could appear on the ballot also depends how quickly the Republicans can get the bill signed. If the 90 days expire before July 6, the repeal referendum would appear on a Nov. 2011 ballot, when local elections are contested across the state. If the 90 days expire after July 6, the referendum would appear on the Nov. 2012 ballot - a presidential election year.

-snip-

According to TPM, Democrats are confident they'll win either way.

This is very encouraging.

[liberal N proud]

1. It may be too late here

Heard on the boob box this morning that it is expected to pass with a vote by March 15.

[Ninga]

2. Write your state rep. Let's not give up. Although referendum is on the horizon.

[highplainsdem]

3. It isn't too late. The referendum process can stop the law from going into effect.

Please read the full article, which explains that and also links to this page:

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/issues/StateReferendum.aspx

If the petition is found to be valid, the law or section of law will not go into effect until and unless it is approved by a majority of the voters at the first regular or general election which occurs at least 125 days after the petition is filed.


SB 5 can't go into effect until 90 days after Kasich signs it, even without a referendum. That's plenty of time for the unions to gather the needed signatures to put it on the ballot. The only question is whether that vote will be this fall, or 2012. But Democrats expect to win this fight either way.

[liberal N proud]

4. Thanks for that information

I had not seen that part and it sure the hell was not mentioned on local news.

We must fight on!

[highplainsdem]

5. Local reporters may not understand how it works. And for that matter,

I'd skimmed past that headline at TPM earlier today, and didn't go back to the story till I saw a Daily Kos story with a clearer headline that linked to it:

Ohio Unions shift focus, plan referendum to stop SB5

I'd had no idea they could block the law from going into effect that completely, if the referendum process works -- and it should, with the backlash the Republicans have created by overreaching.

[highplainsdem]

6. kick

[we can do it]

7. Should Is the Operative Word

kasuck should never have won in the first place, so i will not hold my breath.

[Kingofalldems]

8. K and R all Pro Union/Democratic Party threads

[highplainsdem]

13. Thanks!

[steve2470]

9. k&r nt

[highplainsdem]

12. Thanks!

[WhaTHellsgoingonhere]

10. This is great news!

:kick:

[Tx4obama]

11. Kick & Rec n/t