Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to advance extremist agendas by calling for an Article V Constitutional Convention of States and setting procedures for appointments. Senate Joint Resolution 3 received its first hearing in late February and the companion, House Joint Resolution 2, received proponent testimony in May.

Similar bills were introduced last summer in the 135th General Assembly and, if advanced, would signify a dangerous and unnecessary direction for Ohio and the country. A convention to propose amendments to the US Constitution has never taken place before, and in today’s chaotic and hyperpartisan world, this would be the absolutely worst possible time for such a gathering.  

Right-wing ideologues are pushing to fundamentally rewrite our country’s Constitution. House Joint Resolution 2 calls for an Article V convention, and House Bill 67 would create a process for selecting convention delegates. Both pieces of legislation are sponsored by Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Bernie Willis (R-Springfield). Delegates to the proposed Constitutional Convention will be approved by concurrent resolution of the state legislature or by a majority of those present and voting in a joint session of the Ohio General Assembly. Since the GOP has a supermajority in the state legislature, that means delegates would be chosen and approved by this single party.

If a Constitutional Convention were convened, unelected and unaccountable delegates would have the power to rewrite the US Constitution with no checks or balances. This is an unprecedented and risky endeavor that puts our democratic principles at grave risk.

Tell your State Representative to stop extremist threats of Article V today. Click “start writing” to compose your message.