Ohio Redistricting Commission Republicans Make Clear Intentions to Ignore Ohio Constitution and Ohio Voters

Senate Minority Leader and Ohio Redistricting Commission Co-Chair Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today released statements following the Ohio Redistricting Commission (ORC) meeting where the Republican-controlled commission voted to ignore the constitutional maps introduced by Democrats in favor of Republican maps that are unproportional, unfair, and unconstitutional. 

“At first blush, it would appear that the maps introduced by Republicans today have been drawn to expand their supermajority and under the guise of protecting municipalities, pack Democrats into our largest cities for partisan gain,” said Leader Antonio. “I’m greatly concerned that the locations of the public hearings do not give everyday working Ohioans the chance to meaningfully participate. Based on today’s meeting, we’re a long way away from having fair, constitutional maps.”

“The very problem this commission is tasked with fixing- gerrymandering- was on full display. The supermajority Republicans showed their hand and made it clear to Ohio they’re not serious about drawing fair maps or upholding constitutional requirements. Instead, they intend to pass gerrymandered districts drawn for the GOP supermajority by the GOP supermajority,” said Leader Russo. “Don’t be fooled. What they’re doing is rigging the game in their favor and cutting Ohio voters out of the process.”

The ORC will next hold three statewide meetings on the flawed maps introduced by Republicans on the following days:

• 10 a.m. ET Friday, September 22 at Deer Creek State Park
• 10 a.m. ET Monday, September 25 at Punderson Manor in NE Ohio
• 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 26 in the Senate Finance Hearing Room in the Ohio Statehouse

The public can watch each meeting live on The Ohio Channel here.