Sykes and Yuko Applaud Gerrymandering Ruling
May 3, 2019
Vernon Sykes News
Today, a federal court has ruled that Ohio’s congressional district map is unconstitutional, unfairly benefitting Republican candidates.
“Over the last decade, districts have been rigged to benefit Republicans and Ohioans have not been fairly represented,” said Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). “Thanks to dedicated Ohioans who fought back against this unjust system, we’ll have fair districts two years sooner than we expected. This is great news for democracy in our state.”
The three-judge panel from the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio said that the state must redraw congressional lines before the 2020 election. An appeal would go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Today’s ruling by the Southern District is a huge victory for Ohio voters,” said state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron). “To acknowledge the unconstitutional gerrymandering the citizens of Ohio have endured for the last decade validates our hard-work to pass redistricting reform. My hope is the decision will stand, and we can redraw our districts so the people of Ohio can recover their right to hold elected officials accountable at the ballot box.”
Senators Yuko and Sykes were instrumental in negotiating the state’s successful effort to reform the redistricting process that will follow the 2020 U.S. Census. The bipartisan plan was approved by Ohio voters in May 2018.
“Over the last decade, districts have been rigged to benefit Republicans and Ohioans have not been fairly represented,” said Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). “Thanks to dedicated Ohioans who fought back against this unjust system, we’ll have fair districts two years sooner than we expected. This is great news for democracy in our state.”
The three-judge panel from the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio said that the state must redraw congressional lines before the 2020 election. An appeal would go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Today’s ruling by the Southern District is a huge victory for Ohio voters,” said state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron). “To acknowledge the unconstitutional gerrymandering the citizens of Ohio have endured for the last decade validates our hard-work to pass redistricting reform. My hope is the decision will stand, and we can redraw our districts so the people of Ohio can recover their right to hold elected officials accountable at the ballot box.”
Senators Yuko and Sykes were instrumental in negotiating the state’s successful effort to reform the redistricting process that will follow the 2020 U.S. Census. The bipartisan plan was approved by Ohio voters in May 2018.