Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters Calls for Stricter Constitutional Amendment Process
In a recent episode of the Buckeye Firearms Association podcast, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Joe Deters expressed his belief that amending the Ohio Constitution is too easy, a sentiment that could have significant implications as he campaigns for a full term on the state’s highest court this November. Deters, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democratic Justice Melody Stewart, opting not to seek re-election for his appointed seat.
During the podcast, Deters shared his views on the amendment process, comparing it to the U.S. Constitution, which he described as “way too hard to amend.” He noted, “In Ohio, it’s pretty easy. You just need 50% plus one. That’s all you need. … I think it’s too easy in Ohio.” His comments come on the heels of a special election last summer where 57% of Ohio voters rejected a proposal to raise the threshold for constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. This proposal was largely seen as an attempt by Republicans to make it more difficult to pass amendments related to abortion rights.
Deters’ remarks reflect a broader conversation about the ease of changing the state constitution, a topic that has gained traction in light of recent electoral outcomes. In November 2023, Ohioans also voted in favor of an amendment to protect abortion and reproductive rights, further illustrating the electorate’s willingness to engage with constitutional changes.
The justice emphasized that his position is rooted in public policy concerns. “As a public policy matter, I think the Ohio Constitution probably should be more difficult to change because otherwise you’re flipping back and forth all the time, depending on the political wind,” he stated. This perspective aligns with the views of some Republican lawmakers who have expressed a desire to limit the frequency of amendments, particularly those that could disrupt the political landscape.
Deters, who was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court in January 2023 without prior judicial experience, has not publicly addressed a questionnaire from the Ohio Capital Journal regarding his candidacy. His campaign has garnered support from the Buckeye Firearms political action committee, which has also endorsed two other Republican candidates for the Supreme Court.
In addition to discussing constitutional amendments, Deters touched on the contentious issue of redistricting during a recent appearance on the right-wing Cleveland radio show, "Strictly Speaking with Bob Frantz." He criticized opponents of gerrymandering, suggesting that it can serve both positive and negative purposes, depending on the intent behind it. “Gerrymandering can be good and bad,” he remarked, adding that it could be beneficial if it protects the representation of the electorate.
The upcoming election is crucial for the Ohio Supreme Court, which currently holds a 4-3 Republican majority. Deters’ challenge against Stewart, along with the races involving other Republican candidates, could shift the balance of power on the court. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the stakes are high, with potential implications for key issues such as abortion rights and redistricting reform.
As the election approaches, Deters’ views on constitutional amendments and redistricting will likely continue to resonate with voters, shaping the conversation around the future of Ohio’s legal landscape. With the election just around the corner, Ohioans will have the opportunity to weigh in on these critical issues and determine the direction of their state’s judiciary.
