Ohioans Warn Redistricting Commission to Pass Fair Maps, or Independent Commission Will

Co-Chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission and Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today released statements following the Ohio Redistricting Commission’s (ORC) first of two public hearings Monday at Punderson Manor in Newbury, Ohio. 

“I would like to express my gratitude to all the Ohioans who took the time to come and testify at this morning’s commission hearing,” said Leader Antonio. “Your engagement is vital to our democratic process. I urge my Republican colleagues on the commission to truly listen to the concerns and insights shared by our fellow citizens, keeping in mind that we are here to serve them, not the political interests of some. I hope that together we prioritize the needs and wishes of our constituents as we continue this work. Ohioans are counting on us to create fair and representative districts that  reflect their voices, their values and their communities.” 

“I want to thank all the Ohioans who attended today’s commission meeting and made their voice heard. They stood today for democracy and fair and equal representation. I hope my Republican colleagues on the commission listened to what these citizens had to say, because they made it clear that if the Commission doesn’t do its job and pass constitutional maps that reflect the preferences of Ohio’s voters, then the voters will take it out of politicians’ hands,” said Leader Russo.

The ORC has scheduled two more statewide meetings on the flawed maps introduced by Republicans on the following days:

• 5:30 p.m. Monday, September 25 at Punderson Manor in NE Ohio
• 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 26 in the Senate Finance Hearing Room at the Ohio Statehouse

You can watch the hearings live on The Ohio Channel here.