Ohio Democrats Continue Fight for Fair, Constitutional Maps at First Public Redistricting Hearing, Call For Action by Sept. 30 Deadline

State Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) and state Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton), who both served on the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting today, testified at the first public hearing in favor of Senate Bill 259, the fair and constitutional congressional map introduced by Democrats earlier this month. 

“The people of Ohio deserve representatives who put constitutional requirements and fair representation ahead of partisan considerations,” said Senator DeMora. “This isn't about gaming the system; it's about creating districts that mirror the political reality of our state. Our Democratic proposal demonstrates that such an approach is not only possible, but practical and beneficial for all Ohioans.”

Despite misstatements from Republican members of the Joint Committee, the Ohio Constitution is clear that Ohio faces a deadline to pass a bipartisan map by the end of the month. Per Article XIX, Section 1, the Ohio Constitution reads:

“(D) Not later than the last day of September of the year after the year in which a plan expires under division (C)(3)(e) of this section, the general assembly shall pass a congressional district plan in the form of a bill…”

“It’s time to honor the will of the people, to protect every community’s voice, and to draw maps that finally reflect the Ohio we all call home,” said Senator Blackshear. “We’re here today having taken the exceptional step of crafting a map that does not favor our own party. I hope my colleagues will respect the urgency that’s required at this moment in order to pass a map by the bipartisan September 30 deadline, and I hope they’ll allow this proposal to move forward to the floor of the legislature for a vote by the end of the month.”

In support of today’s hearing, nearly 170 written statements were submitted in addition to the oral testimony that was given, which was nearly unanimous in its support of S.B. 259.

Ohioans from across the state showed up today during work hours with only two business days' notice to urge the legislature to pass fair, constitutional congressional maps. In addition to repeated messages of support for S.B. 259, Ohioans also expressed their desire for the legislature to do its job and pass a bipartisan map by the September 30 deadline.