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With the Nov. 8 election just around the corner, political signs are popping up everywhere as people express how they feel about an issue or candidate. Ohio Farm Bureau is no different. The organization's board met recently to determine its stance on five statewide ballot issues that range from infrastructure and high-tech development to redistricting reform.

Reform Ohio Now, a coalition consisting mainly of Democrats and labor unions, put four of the issues – issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 – on the ballot. Leading the opposition is Ohio First Voter Education Fund led by Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Butler Twp., and state Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn. The issues to reform the state's political process come at a dicey time for government leaders. A couple of months ago, Gov. Bob Taft became the first Ohio governor to be convicted of a crime while in office, and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is embroiled in a multi-million dollar investment scandal.

That's why Ohio Farm Bureau's board has taken the time to examine the issues and determine the organization's stance.

Here's a look at the issues and Ohio Farm Bureau's position:

Issue 1 – Called "Jobs for Ohio," this issue is a $2 billion bond initiative to fund infrastructure and high-tech development with $1.35 billion going to local government infrastructure improvement programs, $150 million for "shovel-ready" industrial development sites and $500 million for high-tech and job creation efforts. OFBF supports this issue, saying it will encourage overall economic development and allow agriculture to compete.

Issue 2 – This would allow more people to vote by absentee ballot because they would not have to state a reason for casting an absentee ballot. Ohio Farm Bureau supports this initiative.

Issue 3 – The campaign contribution limits for most political action committees (PACs) would be reduced to $2,500 from $10,000. OFBF has taken no position on this issue.

Issue 4 – This issue would create more competitive legislative districts through an appointed five-member panel, which would redraw Ohio's congressional and General Assembly districts every 10 years. OFBF opposes this effort because politics probably would not stay out of the redistricting process.

Issue 5 – An appointed nine-member board would oversee Ohio's elections instead of the secretary of state as is currently done. Ohio Farm Bureau opposes this measure, noting that the secretary of state is an appointed official and the board would wind up with a "blank check" to spend tax money.