Ohio Voters Could See $12 Minimum Wage on 2016 Ballot

Author: Michael Cardman, XpertHR Legal Editor

October 26, 2015

Add Ohio to the growing list of states and cities where citizens may vote on a minimum wage increase in the 2016 election.

A ballot initiative that would increase the state's minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2021 passed an important hurdle last week when it was certified by Ohio's Attorney General. Next, the Ohio Ballot Board must approve the initiative, and then supporters must collect about 300,000 signatures to get it on the 2016 ballot.

Minimum wage increases may also appear on the ballot next fall in Alabama, California, Florida, Maine and Oregon.

In recent years, supporters of a higher minimum wage have found success in putting the issue directly before voters in states and cities where they could not push a bill through the legislature.

Public support for minimum wage increases tends to be quite strong, although that support dwindles as the proposed wage approaches the $15.00 level that is sought in California and Oregon.

In the 2014 election, voters approved minimum wage ballot initiatives in Alaska; Arkansas; Nebraska; South Dakota; San Francisco, California; and Oakland, California.