A group seeking to eliminate property taxes in Ohio says it has collected 300,000 signatures in support of a proposed constitutional amendment, but the effort remains short of the threshold needed to qualify for the November ballot.
The grassroots campaign, which has drawn attention from taxpayers frustrated with rising housing costs, must gather at least 415,000 valid signatures from registered voters to secure a spot on the statewide ballot. Organizers acknowledged the gap but said momentum is building as outreach efforts expand.
“We’re seeing strong support across the state,” a campaign spokesperson said. “People are concerned about affordability and want long-term solutions.”
The proposal aims to abolish property taxes entirely, a move that would significantly reshape how local governments and school districts are funded. Property taxes currently serve as a primary revenue source for public education, emergency services and local infrastructure.
Policy experts and public officials have raised concerns about the potential consequences of eliminating the tax without a clearly defined replacement. Critics argue the measure could create major funding gaps for schools and municipalities, while supporters contend alternative revenue streams, such as increased sales or income taxes, could offset losses.
Ohio law requires campaigns to submit signatures by early July to qualify for the November general election ballot. Signatures must be verified by state and county election officials before the measure can be certified.
Organizers said they plan to intensify signature collection efforts in the coming weeks, including canvassing and public events, in hopes of closing the gap before the deadline.
If successful, the measure would go before voters statewide, setting up what could be a high-stakes debate over taxation and public funding in Ohio.