The weaker of two competing indoor-smoking ballot initiatives -- backed by the tobacco and hospitality industries -- has been certified by the Ohio secretary of state and will go before voters in November.

The Toledo Blade reported Sept. 28 that the "Smoke Less Ohio" measure, which exempts bars, restaurants with enclosed smoking areas, bowling alleys, and other locations from a ban on indoor smoking, will appear alongside a more comprehensive ban supported by the state's leading healthcare organizations under the "SmokeFreeOhio" banner.

"We're not surprised they made the ballot," said Tracy Sabetta, spokesman for SmokeFreeOhio. "They defrauded voters into signing petitions from the very beginning. R.J. Reynolds is trying to buy itself a page in the Ohio Constitution. The task over the next 45 days is to tell voters these are two different proposals and that Issue 4 does not protect public health or level the playing field. If Issue 4 wins, we all lose."

Smoke Less Ohio calls for a constitutional amendment, which would override the SmokeFreeOhio proposal if it passes. So, health groups in the state not only have to convince voters to approve their measure but also to reject the weaker proposal.

"What is being put on the ballot is what Ohioans want," said Smoke Less Ohio spokesman Jacob Evans. "They want a reasonable, commonsense approach."