State constitution
Constitution of Ohio
Data from Ohio Laws (LSC)
Full 19-article structure with condensed section text; section numbers are as printed within each article, so repealed/renumbered sections leave visible gaps and are not reproduced. Article VIII (Public Debt and Public Works), a long series of dated bond authorizations, is abbreviated to headline sections. Read the complete, verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Bill of Rights
§ 1 Inalienable rights
All are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights, including enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring and protecting property, and seeking and obtaining happiness and safety.
§ 2 Right to alter, reform, or abolish government
All political power is inherent in the people; government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit, and they have the right to alter, reform, or abolish it, with no special privileges.
§ 3 Right to assemble
The people have the right to assemble together in a peaceable manner to consult for the common good, to instruct their representatives, and to petition for redress of grievances.
§ 4 Bearing arms; standing armies
The people have the right to bear arms for defense and security; standing armies in peacetime are dangerous, and the military is in strict subordination to the civil power.
§ 5 Trial by jury
The right of trial by jury shall be inviolate, except that in civil cases laws may authorize a verdict by not less than three-fourths of the jury.
§ 6 Slavery and involuntary servitude
There shall be no slavery in this state, nor involuntary servitude, unless for the punishment of crime.
§ 7 Rights of conscience; education
All have a natural right to worship according to conscience, and no one may be compelled to attend or support any place of worship; religion and knowledge being essential, schools shall be encouraged.
§ 8 Writ of habeas corpus
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless, in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety requires it.
§ 9 Bail; cruel and unusual punishment
All persons are bailable by sufficient sureties except for certain serious offenses where proof is evident; excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments are prohibited.
§ 10 Rights of the accused
The accused has the right to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of the charge, to confront witnesses, to compulsory process, and not to be compelled to testify against himself.
§ 10a Rights of victims of crime (Marsy's Law)
Crime victims are guaranteed enforceable rights to fairness, dignity, notice of and presence at proceedings, to be heard, to restitution, and to reasonable protection.
§ 11 Freedom of speech and of the press
Every citizen may freely speak, write, and publish sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right; in libel cases truth may be given in evidence and the jury determines law and fact.
§ 12 Transportation for crime; corruption of blood
No person shall be transported out of the state for any offense, and no conviction shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate.
§ 13 Quartering troops
No soldier shall in time of peace be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war except as prescribed by law.
§ 14 Search warrants and general warrants
The people are secure against unreasonable searches and seizures; no warrant shall issue except on probable cause supported by oath and describing the place and persons or things.
§ 15 No imprisonment for debt
No person shall be imprisoned for debt in any civil action on mesne or final process, unless in cases of fraud.
§ 16 Redress for injury; due process
All courts shall be open, and every person shall have remedy by due course of law; suits may be brought against the state as provided by law.
§ 17 No hereditary privileges
No hereditary emoluments, honors, or privileges shall ever be granted or conferred by this state.
§ 18 Suspension of laws
No power of suspending laws shall ever be exercised except by the General Assembly.
§ 19 Eminent domain
Private property shall be held inviolate but subservient to the public welfare, and shall not be taken for public use without just compensation first assessed by a jury.
§ 19a Damages for wrongful death
The amount of damages recoverable for wrongful death shall not be limited by law.
§ 19b Private property rights in ground water
Property owners have a protected interest in the reasonable use of ground water and the water in lakes and watercourses.
§ 20 Powers reserved to the people
This enumeration of rights shall not impair others retained by the people, and all powers not delegated remain with the people.
§ 21 Freedom to choose health care
No law shall compel any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in a health care system, and the purchase of health care may not be prohibited.
§ 22 Right to reproductive freedom
Every individual has the right to make and carry out reproductive decisions, which the state may not burden or prohibit before fetal viability except as protecting the patient's health.
Article II Legislative
§ 1 Legislative power; initiative and referendum reserved
The legislative power is vested in the General Assembly, but the people reserve the powers of initiative and referendum.
§ 1a Initiative to amend the Constitution
Ten percent of electors may propose a constitutional amendment by initiative petition to be submitted to the voters.
§ 1b Initiative to enact laws
Three percent of electors may propose a law by initiative; if the General Assembly rejects or amends it, a supplementary petition submits it to the voters.
§ 1c Referendum on enacted laws
Six percent of electors may by petition challenge a law passed by the General Assembly, suspending it pending a vote of the people.
§ 1d Emergency laws exempt from referendum
Tax levies, appropriations for current expenses, and emergency laws take immediate effect and are not subject to referendum.
§ 1e Limitations on the initiative power
The initiative may not be used to grant a monopoly, oligopoly, or cartel or confer a commercial interest not available to others; the Ballot Board prescribes ballot language.
§ 1f Municipal initiative and referendum
The powers of initiative and referendum are reserved to the voters of each municipality on questions the municipality may control by legislation.
§ 1g Petition and ballot procedures
Detailed requirements govern petition signatures, verification timelines, and the form of the ballot for initiative and referendum measures.
§ 2 Election and terms of legislators
Representatives serve two-year terms and senators four-year terms, subject to term limits of eight consecutive years in each house.
§ 3 Residence requirements
Members must have resided in their district for one year before election unless absent on public business.
§ 4 Dual office and conflicts prohibited
No member may hold another public office during the term or, for one year after, an office created or whose pay was raised during the term.
§ 5 Who shall not hold office
No person convicted of embezzling public funds, and no defaulting collector or holder of public money, may hold office until accounting is made.
§ 6 Powers of each house
Each house judges the qualifications of its members, may expel a member by a two-thirds vote, and may punish for contempt and compel attendance.
§ 7 Organization of each house
Each house chooses its own officers and determines its rules of proceeding.
§ 8 Sessions of the General Assembly
Regular sessions convene on the first Monday of January, and special sessions may be called by the governor or the presiding officers.
§ 9 Journals; yeas and nays
Each house keeps a public journal, and the yeas and nays on any question are entered at the request of any two members.
§ 10 Right of members to protest
Any member may protest against any act or resolution and have the reasons entered on the journal without alteration.
§ 11 Filling vacancies
Vacancies in either house are filled by a person of the same party as the prior member, chosen by the remaining members of that house and party.
§ 12 Privilege from arrest and of speech
Members are privileged from arrest during sessions and going to and from them, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace, and are not questioned elsewhere for speech in debate.
§ 13 Sessions public; exceptions
The proceedings of each house are public unless two-thirds of those present determine that secrecy is required.
§ 14 Power of adjournment
Neither house may adjourn for more than five days, or to another place, without the consent of the other.
§ 15 How bills are passed
Bills may originate in either house, require a majority of members elected to each house, and must be considered on three different days unless dispensed by a two-thirds vote.
§ 16 Signing and veto of bills
Every bill passed is presented to the governor, who may sign or veto it; a veto is overridden by a three-fifths vote of the members elected to each house, and the governor may line-item veto appropriations.
§ 20 Terms and compensation of officers
The General Assembly fixes the term and compensation of officers not otherwise provided for, with no change affecting a current holder.
§ 21 Contested elections
The General Assembly determines by law before whom and how contested elections are tried.
§ 22 Appropriations
No money shall be drawn from the treasury except by specific appropriation, and no appropriation shall be for more than two years.
§ 23 Impeachments
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment; impeachments are tried by the Senate, requiring a two-thirds vote to convict.
§ 24 Officers liable to impeachment
The governor, judges, and other state officers are liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office, with judgment limited to removal from office.
§ 26 Uniform operation of laws
All laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation throughout the state.
§ 27 Election and appointment of officers
The election and appointment of officers and the filling of vacancies not otherwise provided for shall be as directed by the General Assembly.
§ 28 Retroactive laws
The General Assembly shall pass no retroactive law or law impairing the obligation of contracts, but may authorize courts to cure defects in proceedings.
§ 29 No extra compensation
No extra compensation shall be granted to any officer after service rendered, and no claim shall be paid without express authority of law.
§ 30 New counties
New counties must contain at least 400 square miles, and changes to county lines require the approval of the affected voters.
§ 31 Compensation of members
Members and officers of the General Assembly receive compensation fixed by law, with no change effective during the term in which it is passed.
§ 32 Divorces and judicial power
The General Assembly shall grant no divorce and exercise no judicial power except as authorized by this Constitution.
§ 33 Mechanics' and contractors' liens
Laws may be passed to secure to mechanics, artisans, and material suppliers their just dues by lien on the property improved.
§ 34 Welfare of employees
Laws may be passed fixing hours of labor, establishing a minimum wage, and providing for the comfort, health, safety, and general welfare of employees.
§ 34a Minimum wage
A state minimum wage is established (indexed annually for inflation), with limited exemptions, enforceable by employees.
§ 35 Workers' compensation
Laws may establish a state fund to compensate workers and their dependents for death, injury, or occupational disease, in lieu of employer liability.
§ 36 Conservation of natural resources
Laws may be passed to encourage forestry and to regulate the use of natural resources such as agriculture, mining, and water.
§ 37 Eight-hour day on public work
Not more than eight hours shall constitute a day's work, and forty-eight hours a week's work, on public work, except in emergencies.
§ 38 Removal of officials
Laws shall provide for the prompt removal from office of officials for misconduct, in addition to impeachment.
§ 39 Expert testimony in criminal trials
Laws may be passed to regulate the use of expert witnesses and testimony in criminal trials.
§ 40 Registering land titles
Laws may be passed providing for a system of registering and guaranteeing land titles.
§ 41 Prison labor
Laws shall be passed providing for and regulating the occupations and employment of prisoners in state penal institutions.
§ 42 Continuity of government in emergencies
The General Assembly shall provide for prompt succession to public offices and continuity of governmental operations in emergencies caused by enemy attack.
Article III Executive
§ 1 Executive department
The executive department consists of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor of state, treasurer of state, and attorney general, elected by the voters of the state.
§ 1a Joint vote for governor and lieutenant governor
Candidates for governor and lieutenant governor of the same party are joined and receive a single joint vote in the general election.
§ 1b Duties of lieutenant governor
The lieutenant governor performs the duties assigned by the governor and prescribed by law.
§ 2 Terms of executive officers
Executive officers serve four-year terms, and the governor is limited to two successive terms.
§ 3 Counting the votes
Election returns for executive officers are transmitted to the president of the Senate, who announces the results before both houses.
§ 5 Executive power in the governor
The supreme executive power of the state is vested in the governor.
§ 6 Governor to see laws executed
The governor may require written information from executive officers and shall see that the laws are faithfully executed.
§ 7 Governor's message
The governor shall communicate the condition of the state to the General Assembly and recommend measures for its consideration.
§ 8 Special sessions
The governor may on extraordinary occasions convene the General Assembly by proclamation, limited to the stated purposes.
§ 9 Adjourning the legislature
The governor may adjourn the General Assembly when the two houses disagree on the time of adjournment.
§ 10 Commander-in-chief
The governor is commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of the state except when they are called into federal service.
§ 11 Reprieves, commutations, and pardons
The governor may grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons for all crimes except treason and impeachment, subject to regulations on applications.
§ 12 Great Seal of the State
The governor keeps and uses the Great Seal of the State of Ohio for official acts.
§ 13 Grants and commissions
Grants and commissions are issued in the name and under the seal of the state, signed by the governor and countersigned by the secretary of state.
§ 14 Ineligibility for governor
No member of Congress or person holding office under the United States or the state (with exceptions) may hold the office of governor.
§ 15 Succession to the governorship
The lieutenant governor succeeds the governor on a vacancy; if both offices are vacant, the president of the Senate, then the speaker of the House, succeeds.
§ 17 Vacancy while acting as governor
If both the governor and lieutenant governor offices become vacant within the first twenty months of the term, a new election is held.
§ 17a Vacancy in office of lieutenant governor
The governor nominates a lieutenant governor, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members elected to each house.
§ 18 Filling vacancies in executive offices
The governor fills a vacancy in the office of auditor, treasurer, secretary of state, or attorney general until a successor is elected.
§ 19 Compensation
Executive officers receive compensation established by law, which may not be increased or diminished during their term.
§ 20 Annual reports
Officers of the executive department and public institutions report to the governor before each session of the General Assembly.
§ 21 Appointments; advice and consent
Certain gubernatorial appointments require confirmation by a majority vote of the Senate.
§ 22 Disability of the governor
The Supreme Court determines questions of the governor's disability upon a joint resolution of the General Assembly adopted by a two-thirds vote.
Article IV Judicial
§ 1 Judicial power vested
The judicial power of the state is vested in a supreme court, courts of appeals, courts of common pleas, and such other courts as may be established by law.
§ 2 Supreme Court
The Supreme Court consists of seven judges, with original jurisdiction in certain writs and appellate jurisdiction as provided, and it reviews the decisions of the courts of appeals.
§ 3 Courts of appeals
The state is divided into appellate districts, each with a court of appeals of at least three judges, with appellate jurisdiction and power to certify conflicts to the Supreme Court.
§ 4 Courts of common pleas
There is a court of common pleas in each county with original jurisdiction over justiciable matters and appellate review of administrative agencies as provided by law.
§ 5 Powers of the Supreme Court; rules
The Supreme Court has general superintendence over all courts and prescribes rules governing practice and procedure, which have the force of law.
§ 6 Election, terms, and compensation of judges
Judges are elected by the electors of their respective jurisdictions for terms of not less than six years and receive compensation not diminished during their term.
§ 13 Filling judicial vacancies
The governor fills a vacancy in a judgeship by appointment until a successor is elected at the next general election.
§ 15 Changing number of judges; other courts
The General Assembly may increase or decrease the number of judges and establish or abolish courts, subject to stated conditions.
§ 17 Removal of judges
Judges may be removed from office by concurrent resolution of both houses of the General Assembly, agreed to by two-thirds of the members of each house.
§ 18 Powers and jurisdiction of judges
Judges exercise the powers and jurisdiction directed by law, at chambers or in open court.
§ 19 Courts of conciliation
The General Assembly may establish courts of conciliation, whose judgments are not binding unless the parties consent.
§ 20 Style of process
The style of all process is 'The State of Ohio,' and prosecutions are conducted in the name of the state.
§ 22 Supreme Court commission
A temporary commission may be appointed to help dispose of the Supreme Court's docket during periods of overload.
§ 23 Judges in less populous counties
In counties under a stated population, judicial positions may be consolidated or judges may serve more than one court, subject to voter approval.
Article V Elective Franchise
§ 1 Who may vote
Every citizen of the United States at least eighteen years old who meets residency and registration requirements is entitled to vote at all elections.
§ 2 Elections by ballot
All elections shall be by ballot.
§ 2a Names of candidates on ballot
Candidates are grouped by office with party designation in smaller type, and ballots must give candidates equal positioning by rotation or similar means.
§ 4 Exclusion from franchise
The General Assembly may exclude from voting or holding office persons convicted of a felony.
§ 6 Persons mentally incompetent
No person adjudged mentally incompetent (in the Constitution's older terms) shall be entitled to vote.
§ 7 Primary elections
Nominations are made by direct primary or by petition, and delegates to national party conventions are elected directly by the voters.
§ 8 Congressional term limits
U.S. senators are limited to two successive terms and U.S. representatives to four successive terms (adopted 1992; effect limited by federal case law).
§ 9 Eligibility and computation of terms
Service of part of an unexpired term does not count toward the congressional term limits if separated by at least four years, and resignation counts as full service.
Article VI Education
§ 1 Funds for education
The principal of all funds arising from the sale of lands granted for education shall be used as the General Assembly prescribes for those purposes.
§ 2 Common school fund
The General Assembly shall secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state, free from religious sect control.
§ 3 Public school system; boards of education
The organization, administration, and control of the public schools are provided by law, and city school districts may determine board membership by referendum.
§ 4 State board of education
There is a state board of education and a superintendent of public instruction, whose powers and duties are prescribed by law.
§ 5 Loans for higher education
The state may guarantee the repayment of loans made to residents to help pay the costs of attending institutions of higher education.
§ 6 Tuition credits program
The state maintains a tuition credits program guaranteeing amounts toward tuition, pledging its full faith and credit.
Article VII Public Institutions
§ 1 Benevolent institutions
Institutions for the benefit of persons with disabilities shall always be fostered and supported by the state, subject to regulations by the General Assembly.
§ 2 Directors and trustees; appointment
Directors of the penitentiary are appointed as the General Assembly directs, and trustees of benevolent and other state institutions are appointed by the governor with Senate consent.
§ 3 Filling vacancies
The governor may fill vacancies in these offices temporarily until the next session of the General Assembly or confirmation of a successor.
Article VIII Public Debt and Public Works
§ 1 Limit of state debt
The state may contract debt to meet casual deficits or failures of revenue, but not exceeding $750,000 in the aggregate.
§ 2 Debt for defense or to retire debt
The state may contract debt to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, defend the state in war, or redeem outstanding indebtedness, without limit for those purposes.
§ 2b World War II compensation
Authorizes a bond issue to pay adjusted compensation (bonuses) to Ohio veterans of World War II.
§ 2c Highway construction
Authorizes state debt for the acquisition and construction of the state highway system within stated limits and dates.
§ 2d Korean War compensation
Authorizes a bond issue to pay compensation to Ohio veterans of the Korean conflict.
§ 2e Highway and public building construction
Authorizes borrowing for institutional and school construction, funded in part by a cigarette excise tax.
§ 2f School and university facilities; conservation
Authorizes bonds for higher-education and school classrooms and for recreation and conservation projects.
§ 2g Highway construction bonds
Authorizes further state debt for the highway system and urban extensions within stated limits and dates.
§ 2h Development bonds
Authorizes borrowing for institutional buildings, water systems, and recreational development.
§ 2i Capital improvement bonds
Authorizes various capital improvements, including highways, water systems, and higher education, with specified allocations.
§ 2j Vietnam conflict compensation
Authorizes a bond issue to pay compensation to Ohio veterans of the Vietnam conflict.
§ 2k Local public infrastructure
Authorizes bonds for local government public infrastructure — roads, bridges, and water and waste systems.
§ 2l Parks, recreation, and natural resources
Authorizes bonds for state and local parks, recreation, and natural-resource capital improvements.
§ 2m General obligations for infrastructure and highways
Authorizes general-obligation bonds for public infrastructure and highway capital improvements.
§ 2n and following Additional bond authorizations (abbreviated)
Article VIII continues with further dated bond-authorization sections (schools and higher-education facilities, coal research, conservation, third-frontier research, veterans' compensation, and related debt) and later sections on public works, the sinking fund, and state credit. Read the full series at the source link.
Article IX Militia
§ 1 Who performs military duty
All citizens of stated ages are subject to enrollment in the militia and the performance of military duty as prescribed by law.
§ 3 Appointment of militia officers
The governor appoints the adjutant general and other militia officers as provided by law.
§ 4 Governor may call forth the militia
The governor may call forth the militia to execute the laws, suppress insurrection, repel invasion, and respond to disasters.
§ 5 Public arms
The General Assembly shall provide by law for the protection and safekeeping of the public arms.
Article X County and Township Organizations
§ 1 County organization; home rule
The General Assembly provides for the organization and government of counties, and alternative forms of county government require approval by the county's voters.
§ 2 Township officers
The General Assembly provides for the election of township officers and prescribes their powers, including local taxation, with all expenditures authorized by law.
§ 3 County charters
Counties may adopt a charter establishing the structure of county government and the election of officers, subject to voter approval and referendum.
§ 4 County charter commission
Procedures are established for creating a charter commission by legislative vote or citizen petition, electing its members, and submitting the charter to the voters.
Article XI General Assembly Redistricting
§ 1 Ohio Redistricting Commission
A seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission is responsible for drawing state legislative districts, with specified voting requirements and deadlines.
§ 2 Representation
Each house of representatives district elects one representative and each senate district one senator.
§ 3 House district standards
House districts must meet population-equality and contiguity standards under a prioritized methodology creating ninety-nine districts.
§ 4 Senate district standards
Senate districts are composed of three contiguous house districts, following county-based composition and population rules.
§ 5 Changes in Senate district boundaries
Rules determine which senator represents a reconfigured district when boundaries change mid-term.
§ 6 Additional standards
The commission must attempt to avoid favoring a party, ensure compactness, and correspond districts to statewide voter preferences.
§ 7 Political subdivision boundaries
District boundaries use existing county, municipal, and township lines as reference points.
§ 8 Impasse procedure
A fallback timeline and voting requirements apply if the commission fails to adopt a plan by the deadline.
§ 9 Supreme Court jurisdiction
The Ohio Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over redistricting challenges and remedies for defective plans.
§ 10 Severability
The provisions of the article are severable so that invalidating one does not affect the others.
Article XII Finance and Taxation
§ 1 Poll taxes prohibited
No poll tax shall ever be levied in this state, or service required which may be commuted in money.
§ 2 Limitation on tax rate; exemptions
Property is taxed by uniform rule according to value, limited without a vote to one percent of true value, with homestead reductions and exemptions provided by law.
§ 2a Classification of real estate
Real property may be divided into classes (residential and agricultural, and other) for separate calculation of tax reductions.
§ 3 Imposition of taxes
Laws may be passed providing for estate, income, and excise taxes, but no excise tax may be levied on food for human consumption off the premises.
§ 4 Revenue for expenses and debts
The General Assembly shall provide sufficient revenue to defray the expenses of the state and pay the interest and principal of the public debt.
§ 5 Levying of taxes
Every law imposing a tax shall state distinctly the object to which it is applied.
§ 5a Motor vehicle and fuel taxes restricted
Revenues from motor vehicle registration and fuel taxes are restricted to highway purposes and traffic enforcement.
§ 6 No debt for internal improvements
The state shall not contract debt for internal improvements except as this Constitution otherwise permits.
§ 9 Apportionment of income and estate taxes
At least fifty percent of income, estate, and inheritance taxes must be returned to the jurisdiction where collected.
§ 11 Sinking fund
Every law authorizing bonded indebtedness must provide an annual tax levy sufficient to pay the interest and create a sinking fund for redemption.
§ 13 No wholesale tax on food
No sales or other excise tax shall be levied on wholesale sales of food or on the packaging of food.
Article XIII Corporations
§ 1 No special corporate acts
The General Assembly shall pass no special act conferring corporate powers.
§ 2 How corporations are formed
Corporations may be formed under general laws, which the General Assembly may alter, revoke, or amend, and it may classify corporations and regulate their securities.
§ 3 Liability of stockholders; bank inspection
Stockholder liability is limited to unpaid subscriptions, and entities using banking terms are subject to state inspection and regulation.
§ 4 Corporate property taxable
The property of corporations shall forever be subject to taxation the same as the property of individuals.
§ 5 Corporate eminent domain
No corporation may take private property for a right of way without full compensation assessed by a jury and paid to the owner.
§ 6 Organization of cities
The General Assembly shall provide for the organization of cities and villages by general laws and restrict their power of taxation and borrowing.
§ 7 Banking associations; referendum
No act authorizing associations with banking powers takes effect until approved by the voters at the next general election.
Article XIV Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
§ 1 Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
A thirteen-member Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is established to adopt standards for the care and well-being of livestock and poultry, with members drawn from agriculture, veterinary medicine, food safety, consumers, and animal welfare.
Article XV Miscellaneous
§ 1 Seat of government
Columbus shall be the seat of government until otherwise directed by law.
§ 3 Publication of state finances
An accurate statement of the receipts and expenditures of public money shall be published as prescribed by law.
§ 4 Officers to be electors
No person shall be elected or appointed to any office in this state unless possessed of the qualifications of an elector.
§ 6 Lotteries, bingo, and casino gaming
Lotteries are authorized only when conducted by the state for education, and charitable bingo and four licensed casino facilities are authorized with specified taxation and regulation.
§ 7 Oath of office
Every officer shall, before entering upon duties, take an oath to support the Constitutions of the United States and of Ohio.
§ 10 Civil service
Appointments and promotions in the civil service of the state and its subdivisions shall be made according to merit and fitness by competitive examination.
§ 11 Marriage
Only a union between one man and one woman is a marriage recognized by the state, and no other legal status equivalent to marriage is recognized (superseded by federal law).
Article XVI Amendments
§ 1 Amendment by the General Assembly
An amendment may be proposed by a three-fifths vote of the members elected to each house, filed with the secretary of state, and adopted if approved by a majority of the voters voting on it.
§ 2 Amendment by convention
Two-thirds of the members elected to each house may recommend to the voters a call for a constitutional convention, whose delegates are nominated by petition and elected.
§ 3 Periodic convention question
The question of calling a convention shall be submitted to the voters every twenty years, and any amendments adopted by a convention take effect only when approved by the voters.
Article XVII Elections
§ 1 Time of elections; terms
State and county elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years, and other elections in odd-numbered years.
§ 2 Filling vacancies
Vacancies in state elective offices are filled by gubernatorial appointment until a successor is elected at the next appropriate general election.
Article XVIII Municipal Corporations
§ 1 Classification
Municipal corporations are classified into cities and villages based on population.
§ 2 General laws; referendum
General laws provide for the incorporation and government of municipalities, and additional laws may be passed subject to referendum.
§ 3 Municipal powers
Municipalities have authority to exercise all powers of local self-government and to adopt police, sanitary, and similar regulations not in conflict with general laws.
§ 4 Acquisition of public utilities
A municipality may acquire, construct, own, and operate public utilities and may contract for or condemn utility services.
§ 5 Referendum on municipal utilities
An ordinance to acquire or operate a municipal utility is subject to referendum if ten percent of the electors petition within thirty days.
§ 6 Sale of surplus utility product
A municipality may sell the surplus product of a utility, generally limited to fifty percent (unlimited for water and sewage).
§ 7 Home rule; municipal charter
Any municipality may frame and adopt or amend a charter for its government and exercise all powers of local self-government under it.
§ 8 Charter commission
The question of choosing a charter commission is submitted to the electors, and the commission frames a charter for their approval.
§ 9 Charter amendments
Amendments to a charter may be submitted by the legislative authority or by petition and take effect when approved by the voters.
§ 10 Excess appropriation
A municipality may appropriate property in excess of that needed for a public improvement and sell the excess with reservations.
§ 11 Assessments
Assessments on benefited property for appropriating property may not exceed fifty percent of the cost of the improvement.
§ 12 Bonds for public utilities
A municipality may issue mortgage bonds for a utility beyond its general debt limit, payable solely from the utility's earnings.
§ 13 Taxation, debts, and accounts
Laws may limit the power of municipalities to levy taxes and incur debts and require reports and audits of their accounts.
§ 14 Municipal elections
Municipal elections and the petition signatures required are governed by rules based on prior election turnout.
Article XIX Congressional Redistricting
§ 1 Adopting a congressional plan
A congressional redistricting plan is adopted first by the General Assembly by a three-fifths vote, then by the Ohio Redistricting Commission, then by the General Assembly at lower thresholds, on a tiered timeline.
§ 2 District standards
Congressional districts must be compact and contiguous, comply with federal law, and limit the splitting of counties and municipalities.
§ 3 Supreme Court jurisdiction
The Ohio Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over congressional redistricting challenges and requires prompt remedial action for an invalid plan.
Full, verbatim text at Ohio Laws (LSC)