An unconventional marijuana legalization question in Ohio and a transgender bathroom measure in Houston are drawing the lion’s share of attention in an otherwise low-key election for ballot initiatives.
Ohio’s Issue 3 would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, but with a twist: the measure would also create a cultivation monopoly for 10 property owners who are also heavy donors to the campaign.
Even some pot aficionados say they are uncomfortable with the preferential treatment embedded in Issue 3, which if passed would make Ohio the fifth state to legalize recreational marijuana, and the only state to do so without first approving a medical market.
Foes of the measure have swung back with Issue 2, a measure placed on the ballot by the state legislature that would nullify Issue 3 and also ban ballot measures that promote monopolies. A legal battle is expected to ensue if both proposed constitutional amendments pass.
With that in mind, the Cincinnati Enquirer advised voters in an Oct. 18 editorial to reject both initiatives, saying that “Ohioans don’t need Issue 2 to save ourselves from Issue 3, “while the Cleveland Plain Dealer urged a “no” vote on Issue 3, calling it “weed greed.”
“Even pro-legalization groups such as the Green and Libertarian parties of Ohio oppose Issue 3, saying it represents crony capitalism,” said the Plain Dealer in an Oct. 29 editorial.
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So far neither measure is polling over 50 percent, according to a University of Akron survey released Oct. 21, which found voters in favor of Issue 2 by a margin of 40 to 28 percentage points and split on Issue 3 at 46 to 46 percent.
“One thing is for sure — all eyes are on Ohio this week,” said Oregon activist Johnny Green on the Weed Blog.
Mason Tvert, spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project and architect of Colorado’s successful 2012 recreational marijuana campaign, said his organization has not taken a position on Issue 3.
“We support the measure to the extent that it would end marijuana prohibition and replace it with a system in which marijuana is regulated similarly to alcohol, but it is up to voters to decide whether the system it proposes is the right one for Ohio,” said Mr. Tvert.
In Houston, gay rights groups have pumped millions into passing Proposition 1, an equal rights ordinance that would make it illegal to stop transgender people from using public restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
The opposition, led by Houston pastors and conservative groups, has scored with alarming ads saying that the ordinance would allow male sex predators to use women’s restrooms, showers and locker rooms. One television spot shows a man cornering a little girl in a bathroom stall.
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Those in support of Proposition 1 have argued that the measure does nothing to change laws that prohibit indecent exposure, harassment and assaults. Instead, proponents have framed the measure as an anti-discrimination ordinance that would protect a broad class of people, including veterans and pregnant women.
Companies like Apple and Hewlett-Packard “know that Houston needs an equal rights ordinance in order to attract and retain top talent — and send a message that the city is truly open for business to everyone,” according to the pro-Proposition 1 campaign Houston Unites.
Meanwhile, the Campaign for Houston, which opposes Proposition 1, received a shoutout Monday from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who urged Houstonians to vote “no” on the measure.
“No men in women’s bathrooms,” said Mr. Abbott, a Republican on Twitter.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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