Ohio Forward Party Announces 2026 Ballot Access Drive: Following Failure of Issue 1, A Third Party Is the Only Path to Fix the Broken Political System
11/7/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In the wake of the defeat of Issue 1, the amendment that would have established an independent redistricting commission to combat gerrymandering in Ohio, a viable new party is now the only serious path to breaking the stranglehold of corruption, unaccountability, and single party rule in Ohio.
“Ohio voters are tired of being ignored and manipulated by politicians who care more about protecting their own power than a fair, representative government,” said Tim Grady, Chair of the Ohio Forward Party. “Issue 1 would have been a critical step toward reform, but it was turned into another partisan battleground. The current two-party system is incapable of delivering the change Ohioans desperately need. The time has come for a new path forward – one where the voices of everyday people, not special interests, lead the way.”
Both major political parties in Ohio – the Republicans and the Democrats – have consistently failed to put the interests of people and our communities ahead of their own partisan agendas. Neither party has shown genuine interest in fighting the corruption that has plagued Ohio for decades. Real progress will only come from outside the traditional party structure. The Ohio Forward Party believes that a viable new party, committed to practical solutions and reform, is the only way to achieve lasting success.
The Ohio Forward Party today announced that it will immediately begin petitioning for ballot access for the 2026 election cycle, with plans to gather signatures and build a statewide movement that can win in two years and that is focused on transparency, independent redistricting, electoral fairness, and restoring accountability to government. With ballots still being counted, it appears Forward will be required to collect about 57,000 signatures by 2026. The party intends to give voters a real choice by running and supporting candidates who are committed to reform and who will prioritize the needs of Ohioans above partisan politics.
The Ohio Forward Party invites all Ohioans to join the movement and help create a government that truly represents the people of Ohio. Together, we can put an end to the gridlock and dysfunction of the current system and build a brighter future for our state. Politicians don’t decide our future. We do.
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