LAKE COUNTY, OHIO – A grassroots effort to eliminate property taxes across the state of Ohio appears to have hit a significant roadblock. Despite months of anticipation, leaders of the “Committee to Abolish Property Taxes”—also known as Ax Ohio Tax—admitted during a livestreamed event Monday that they are unlikely to secure enough signatures to qualify for the November 2024 ballot.
The announcement was held in a unique setting: a private Lake County residence featuring a full-scale replica of the White House Oval Office.
The Numbers Game
To qualify for this year’s general election, the group must submit 413,487 valid signatures from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties by the July 1 deadline.
Group leader Brian Massie revealed they have collected approximately 305,000 signatures to date. While they are on pace to hit the legal minimum, Massie noted that successful campaigns typically aim for a “buffer” goal of 620,000 to account for signatures tossed due to being invalid out during the verification process.
“If we fall short of our 620,000 goal, we will decide if we will risk turning in all of the signatures… or do we continue collecting signatures to ensure that we get the amendment on the 2027 ballot,” Massie said.
History is not on the group’s side. Since 2018, the only three citizen-led amendments to make the ballot—covering redistricting, reproductive rights, and criminal justice reform—all submitted over 700,000 signatures and utilized paid professional circulators. Ax Ohio Tax has relied primarily on volunteers.
A “Multi-Billion Dollar Problem”
The proposed amendment has drawn fierce criticism from both sides of the aisle due to a lack of a replacement funding plan. Property taxes currently generate nearly $24 billion annually for Ohio schools, police, fire departments, and senior services.
State Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) called the proposal “irresponsible,” arguing that it essentially cancels out thousands of local levies previously approved by voters.
“Massie has admitted he doesn’t have a plan. He thinks that’s our job to figure it out,” Cirino said. “It’s a multi-billion dollar problem… and believe me, it would involve raising taxes in other areas big time.”
A coalition of over 65 organizations, titled Ohioans to Protect Public Services, echoed these concerns. In a statement, the group—which includes teachers, first responders, and business leaders—labeled the move “reckless,” warning it would trigger “chaos” and drastic reductions in essential local services.
“Flip the Table”
Supporters, however, argue that the drastic measure is the only way to force the state legislature to act on rising tax burdens.
“The people of Ohio are saying, cut my taxes, cut it now,” said Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik, a vocal supporter of the effort. “People are saying we want to take all the money back. We want to flip the table and start over, because that’s the only way you force meaningful change.”
While the group may miss the 2024 window, leadership suggested the movement isn’t over, potentially shifting their sights to a 2027 campaign if they choose to hold their current signatures and continue collecting.
