Sykes Statement on Commission's Failure to Adopt Constitutional, Proportional Maps
February 17, 2022
Vernon Sykes News
Today, Ohio Redistricting Commission Co-Chair Sen. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) issued the following statement after majority members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission failed to adopt state legislative maps before the February 17 deadline that comply with all constitutional requirements and reflect the preferences of Ohio voters, as instructed by the Ohio Supreme Court.
“The Court directed us to adopt a set of proportional, constitutional state legislative maps if there were pathways to do so. Our maps, as well as others submitted to the Commission, proved that there are multiple ways that this could be done.
“Following the Constitution and the Court’s orders isn’t gerrymandering. It’s just the opposite. Proportionality is the guide that prevents us from gerrymandering. Unfortunately, the majority’s apparent lack of will was the only thing that prevented the Commission from following the Court’s orders.”
“The Court directed us to adopt a set of proportional, constitutional state legislative maps if there were pathways to do so. Our maps, as well as others submitted to the Commission, proved that there are multiple ways that this could be done.
“Following the Constitution and the Court’s orders isn’t gerrymandering. It’s just the opposite. Proportionality is the guide that prevents us from gerrymandering. Unfortunately, the majority’s apparent lack of will was the only thing that prevented the Commission from following the Court’s orders.”