Urge congressional delegation to uphold federalism re: elections

As Introduced

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
H. C. R. No. 19

2025-2026

Representative
Fischer

A
c o n c u r r e n t R E S O L U T I O N

To
call upon the members of Ohio's congressional delegation to uphold
the principles of federalism regarding the authority of states to
govern electoral processes.

BE
IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO (THE
SENATE CONCURRING):

WHEREAS,
Ohio Constitution Article I, Section 2, recognizes that "All
political power is inherent in the people"; and

WHEREAS,
The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution affirms that
any powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to
the states or the people, reinforcing the principle of federalism;
and

WHEREAS,
The states have long served as laboratories of democracy, uniquely
positioned to establish election laws and policies that reflect the
needs and interests of their citizens; and

WHEREAS,
A robust system of state-led election governance strengthens
self-government, promotes accountability, and preserves the integrity
of the electoral process by ensuring that the people of each state
determine how best to protect their representation and participation
in democratic processes; and

WHEREAS,
The Framers of the United States Constitution recognized the role of
the states in structuring election laws and mechanisms, understanding
that a one-size-fits-all federal approach is neither necessary nor
desirable; and

WHEREAS,
The people of Ohio and other states have a vested interest in
ensuring that their electoral processes remain responsive to their
needs and are free from disproportionate influence by foreign
entities or individuals that may not reflect the priorities of the
electorate; and

WHEREAS,
The principle of self-governance requires that states retain the
ability to establish laws governing the influence of money in
elections, consistent with their unique circumstances and policy
considerations; and

WHEREAS,
The constitutional amendment process provides an avenue for
reaffirming the role of the states in overseeing elections and
ensuring that their authority in this realm is preserved; now
therefore be it

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the 136th General Assembly of the State of
Ohio, call upon the seventeen members representing Ohio in the United
States Congress to uphold the principles of federalism and to be
proponents of appropriate action, including, if necessary, a
constitutional amendment that affirms the authority of states to
govern their election processes and establishes the ability of the
states to enact policies regarding campaign finance and election
influence, in a manner consistent with established constitutional
principles; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly
authenticated copies of this resolution to the members of the Ohio
Congressional delegation, and the news media of Ohio.