Commentary: Ohio voters, Issue 1 backers fear you. Give them something to be scared about

If you are an Ohio voter — Republican, Democrat or independent — you probably don't know just how scary you are.

The Republican Party in Ohio and its lobbyist allies are terrified of you; their bones shake at the power you hold.

All because you have the power to bring to a screeching halt their plan to control every aspect of life in Ohio.

All by voting "no" on Issue 1 in this Aug. 8 special election.

If you vote it down, you will deal a death blow to the GOP's Hail Mary plan to defeat a reproductive rights amendment that is on Ohio's November ballot, which explains why anti-abortion groups and churches are on board the "Yes on 1" bandwagon.

But Issue 1 isn't just about abortion. If you vote it down, you prevent the Republican establishment from using a tool to prevent Ohio voters from passing constitutional amendments in the future on a wide range of issues the GOP abhors: