Upcoming May 6 election features Issue 2 on the ballot

In early February, members of the Ohio Ballot Board unanimously approved the public works constitutional amendment language (Issue 2) that will be considered by voters in the upcoming Tuesday, May 6 election. 

The amendment, “To Fund Public Infrastructure Capital Improvements by Permitting the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds,” would authorize the state to issue up to $2.5 billion in bonds over a 10-year period.  

The State Capital Improvement Program was first approved by Ohio voters in 1987. The program has provided funding for more than 19,000 critical infrastructure projects and upgrades to local roads and bridges, wastewater treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities and storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities across all 88 counties.  

In the current 10-year cycle, $2.3 billion has been awarded to 1,084 local governments for 4,490 projects benefiting cities, counties, townships and other subdivisions across the state. 

In addition to the actual amendment language, the board has unanimously approved the official Issue 2 explanation and the argument against Issue 2. The argument against Issue 2 was prepared by the Ballot Board because there was no submission in opposition to the amendment.  

The argument in favor of the amendment was written by Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton), Rep. Dan Troy (D-Willowick), Sen. Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) and Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus).  A group called “Build Strong Ohio Communities” is also officially supporting the “Yes on 2” campaign.  

Funding for this program relies on voter approval about every 10 years. With overwhelming bipartisan support, the Ohio General Assembly acted in December 2024 to place the renewal before voters in the May 6, 2025, election. The last voter renewal of the program was on May 6, 2014, passing with a yes vote of 65%.