Akron voters will cast ballots on three separate charter amendments in the upcoming November election. Each measure requires a majority affirmative vote to become law and could reshape how the city handles rental housing, police oversight and Sunday liquor sales.
Amendment on Rental Security Deposits
Section 101b would require property owners or operators to allow security deposits for residential rentals to be paid in installments of three or six months. The amendment also mandates that landlords inform prospective tenants of this right, criminalizes failure to provide the notice, bans any fees, charges or deposits before a rental agreement is executed, and makes the collection of an application fee illegal. Supporters argue the change will ease the financial burden on families seeking housing, while opponents warn it could increase administrative costs for landlords.
Amendment Expanding Anti‑Discrimination Protections
Section 100a would add the city’s existing anti‑discrimination protections to the charter and, with limited exceptions for sex offenders and arson offenders, prohibit owners and operators from refusing to rent or sell property to individuals based on criminal history. The measure would treat people with criminal records as a protected class comparable to race, gender or sexual orientation for renting, home sales and other real‑estate transactions. It also gives the Akron Civil Rights Commission jurisdiction over all real‑estate discrimination claims and requires the City Council to adopt implementing legislation within ninety days of the amendment’s effective date. Advocates say the amendment promotes second chances and reduces barriers to stable housing, while critics worry it may limit landlords’ ability to screen tenants for safety.
Amendment Changing Police Oversight Board Composition and Auditor Powers
Section 68a would alter the composition and appointment process of the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board. The proposal reduces the number of members appointed by City Council and requires the board to select one‑third of its own members from a pre‑selected list provided by a committee of individuals from a “qualifying civil rights organization.” It also establishes clear timelines for the mayor, chief of police and City Council to respond to recommendations from the Office of the Independent Police Auditor, authorizes the auditor to issue subpoenas for records from public or private entities, and allows the auditor to compel attendance and testimony from private citizens and public employees. Proponents view the changes as a step toward greater transparency and accountability, while some community members fear the new selection process could politicize the board.
Additional Liquor‑Sale Measures
Two separate measures address the sale of wine and mixed beverages on Sundays. One would permit such sales in the specified Akron precinct for off‑premises consumption, and the other would allow Sunrise Petroleum, Inc., doing business as Oakhill Foodmart, to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sundays under C2 and D6 liquor permits. These measures are presented together with the charter amendments but are distinct votes on local alcohol licensing.
What Voters Need to Know
Each amendment appears on the ballot with a brief description, and a simple “yes” or “no” vote will determine its fate. Voters should review the full text of each proposal, consider the potential impact on families, landlords, law‑enforcement oversight and local businesses, and decide which changes align with their values and the community’s best interests. The Akron Board of Elections will provide polling locations and hours as the election date approaches.
For more information on the ballot measures, including sample language and official voter guides, visit the City of Akron’s website or contact the Akron Board of Elections.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
