The Hunger Network in Ohio encourages Ohioans to vote NO on State Issue 1, because it enshrines into our state Constitution policies that place our wallets on the scales of justice instead of accountability, restoration, and healing.
Issue 1: Amends the Constitution, deceptively claiming public safety
The Overview: This Constitutional Amendment doubles down on two separate and unequal justice systems in Ohio - one for the wealthy and one for everyone else. This proposal will amend the Ohio Constitution to enshrine the use of cash bail in our state. Despite bi-partisan efforts to reform Ohio’s bail system in a meaningful way toward equity and justice, this hastily written proposal goes the opposite direction and will likely frustrate well thought out and deliberate reforms.
What is Bail: Bail is a system where, after arrest, a person is only released from jail before their trial if they put up cash or a bond. This cash is held by the court until their trial. However, most defendants report to court, even without cash bail requirements. The problem is if a defendant is unable secure their bail, they await trial in jail. This often leads to people missing days of work (and losing jobs). It also hurts a defendants ability to properly prepare their defense.
Cash bail creates two justice systems: Ohio should work to move away from a justice system that gives advantages to the wealthy over the rest of us, because it doesn’t lead to public safety or more public accountability. For example, a wealthy defendant accused of domestic violence could be released from prison, because they can afford bail. However a person accused of drug possession might sit in jail until their trial, because they cannot. In the end, that time in jail could lead to more harm for the individual and the community.
As people of faith we care about those who are imprisoned and those who are victims of crime. This amendment doesn’t help either group achieve justice. If a person is seen as a threat to themselves or others, the courts should be empowered to confiscate fire arms, detain them until trial, use electronic monitoring with a restraining order and other means that are tailored to respect both constitutional rights, dignity, and the nature of the situation.
Support Real Reform: There is currently bi-partisan efforts (HB 315) to create real reform in Ohio’s bail system that lifts up the needs of those awaiting trial and are still presumed innocent in the eyes of the law as well as alleged victims.
VOTE NO ON ISSUE 1
You can read more here and download a one page overview of the issue.