Across Ohio, communities take pride in having a voice in how their elections are run. That principle—local control and fair representation—has long been part of our state’s identity. But Senate Bill 63 threatens to take that choice away.

By banning ranked-choice voting and financially penalizing any city or town that even considers adopting it, this law doesn’t just set a statewide standard—it discourages local communities from exploring voting systems that they believe could better serve their residents.

This is about more than one voting method. It’s about whether Ohio communities are trusted to make decisions for themselves.

Ranked-choice voting is already used in places across the country, and people hold a wide range of views about its benefits and drawbacks. But regardless of where you stand on the system itself, there is a shared value most Ohioans agree on: decisions about local elections should involve the people who live there.

Senate Bill 63 undermines that principle by attaching financial consequences to local choice. Cities like Lakewood or Cleveland Heights—where residents have shown interest in even putting the idea to a vote—now face the risk of losing critical state funding simply for considering a different approach.

That sets a dangerous precedent.

We are calling on Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly to revisit Senate Bill 63 and remove provisions that punish local governments. Ohio should not be in the business of penalizing communities for engaging in democratic decision-making.

Instead, state leaders should respect the right of cities and towns to determine what works best for their voters.

Ohio voters deserve that respect—and that choice.