Senate Democrats Introduce Resolution Urging Support of Issue 1

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) announced that the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus will introduce a resolution that urges Ohioans to support Issue 1, the citizen-led ballot initiative to end gerrymandering by transferring the power of drawing voter maps from politicians and lobbyists to an independent, bipartisan redistricting commission.

“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to advocate for transparency and fairness in our political system,” said Antonio. “For too long, redistricting in Ohio has been dominated by interests that distort our democracy and diminish the power of Ohioans’ votes. Issue 1 is supported by a broad coalition of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. With a citizen-led redistricting commission, we can restore the people’s trust in our government and build a healthier system that holds elected representatives accountable.”

Issue 1 offers a more transparent and fair mapmaking process than the current system, placing the responsibility for drawing voter maps in the hands of a bipartisan, citizen-led redistricting commission. This change would eliminate the influence of politicians and lobbyists from the process, helping to ensure that Ohio’s elections are free from manipulation and partisan gerrymandering.

“If we want a government that truly represents us, we need to change how we draw our legislative districts,” said Antonio. “By supporting Issue 1, we can ensure that this power to determine their representation is where it belongs: with the people.”

Read the resolution here.