Raise the Wage Ohio issues statement on 2024 $15 minimum wage campaign, pivot to 2025
Following an extensive signature collection effort led by worker advocates from throughout the state, Raise the Wage Ohio is announcing that the initiative to raise the minimum wage to $15 will pivot to appearing on the 2025 ballot.
Low-wage worker canvassers from across the state, in partnership with many statewide organizations and unions, collected approximately 600,000 signatures to appear on the November 2024 ballot but did not submit them since they did not meet the state’s requirement to collect signatures from five percent of registered voters in 44 counties.
Next Steps:
• Raise The Wage OH will continue collaborating closely with Indivisible Appalachia Ohio and other coalition groups to complete the remaining signature collection in rural counties this summer.
• We intend to submit our signatures before the end of summer, aiming to qualify for the November 2025 ballot by fall. Since the initiative’s language requires the minimum wage to reach $15 by January 2026, if passed in November 2025 the increase to $15 per hour would be immediate. Thus, by January 2026, 1.2 million workers will receive the same wage increase they would have if the measure had been on the 2024 ballot.
• After qualifying to be on the November 2025 ballot later this summer/early fall, One Fair Wage Action will mobilize voters to support candidates who support the initiative in both 2024 and 2025.
Our resolve to secure fair wages for Ohio’s workers remains steadfast. We draw strength from the dedication and resilience of our canvassers and supporters and are determined to continue this vital campaign.
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