State Issue 3 is a proposed constitutional amendment placed on the ballot by the Ohio General Assembly.  This amendment would affirm that private property owners have a right to the reasonable use of water that lies beneath their land and a right to the reasonable use of water located on or flowing through their land.

The proposed amendment stems from discussions surrounding Ohio’s adoption of the Great Lakes Compact, which governs the use of water in the Great Lakes basin.  Some state lawmakers believe that the compact could hamper personal property rights without the clarification Issue 3 would provide.

Official Arguments
By law, the five-member Ohio Ballot Board designates a group of individuals to prepare and file arguments in support of or in opposition to each proposed constitutional amendment.  Click below to read the official arguments regarding State Issue 3.

Ballot Language
Read exactly what’s printed on the ballot regarding Issue 3:

Full Text of Proposed Amendment

Groups urging a “YES” vote on State Issue 3 include: Ohio Chamber of Commerce Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Groups urging a “NO” vote on State Issue 3 include: