Issue 1 is unnecessary; vote no

For the Ohio ballot issue that hardly anyone knows anything about, State Issue 1, we urge a no vote. It's probably enough reason to reject something as important as this if you're unsure of its meaning or consequence. But in this case, there are good reasons to say no.

Rather than being put forward by citizens or special interests, Issue 1 is an automatic ballot issue. Every 20 years since 1932, Ohio voters have been asked whether they support a convention to revise, alter or amend the state constitution.

This might be a good idea if Ohio didn't already have mechanisms for amending its constitution. With a three-fifths vote, the General Assembly can propose amendments, and voters themselves can propose amendments by petition.

In any of these cases, including if Issue 1 passes, the proposed amendment would still have to go the voters for final approval.

There's simply no need to go to the time and trouble to call a constitutional convention when our state already has ways of proposing and considering amendments.

Ohio voters have shown their wisdom by rejecting similar convention proposals every 20 years since 1932. They should continue that tradition by rejecting Issue 1 on Nov. 6. Vote no.