Ohio voters face a critical decision this November with Issue 1 on the ballot, offering a historic opportunity to end the state’s gerrymandering practices. Voting YES on Issue 1 means creating a nonpartisan, citizen-led commission to draw Ohio’s political districts, putting the power back into the hands of voters, not politicians.
Currently, Ohio’s redistricting system allows politicians to manipulate district boundaries to secure their political advantage. Over the years, Ohio’s political leaders have repeatedly ignored public calls for fair maps, crafting districts that undermine competitive elections. This process has left voters with representatives more focused on retaining their grip on power than addressing the needs of their constituents. Even the Ohio Supreme Court has declared Ohio’s legislative maps unconstitutional multiple times, yet no real change has been made. Issue 1 is the answer.
Issue 1 would fundamentally reform Ohio’s redistricting process, removing politicians from the equation. Instead of the current seven-member commission dominated by elected officials, a 15-member independent citizen-led commission would take charge. This commission would consist of five Democrats, five Republicans, and five independents. The structure ensures no single political party can dominate the process, making elections more competitive and reflective of Ohio’s diverse population.
This shift towards a fair, transparent redistricting process has garnered endorsements from a wide range of organizations and political leaders committed to protecting democracy. The League of Women Voters of Ohio, a nonpartisan organization long focused on election integrity, is a major supporter of Issue 1. They recognize that the current system is rigged in favor of incumbents and undermines the principle of one person, one vote. The Ohio AFL-CIO and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) also back the amendment, emphasizing the importance of fair districts for ensuring working families have a voice in Columbus. Furthermore, Equality Ohio and the Ohio Environmental Council endorse Issue 1, recognizing that skewed maps have disenfranchised Ohioans who care about social justice and environmental protection. Even former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, a Republican, has thrown her support behind this initiative.
By voting YES on Issue 1, Ohioans can help eliminate the deeply entrenched partisan practices that have warped our democracy. The new citizen-led commission will be transparent, accountable, and inclusive. It will ensure that district lines reflect Ohio’s population rather than the whims of those in power. This would mark a significant shift toward fairer elections, where voters—not politicians—choose their representatives.
Gerrymandering has long plagued Ohio’s political landscape, creating a system in which a small number of elected officials have outsized influence. In gerrymandered districts, elections are rarely competitive, leading to legislative bodies filled with representatives more concerned with their political survival than the will of their constituents. This has polarized Ohio politics and diminished the public’s trust in the electoral process. By passing Issue 1, voters can restore balance and accountability.
Passing Issue 1 will reinstate the integrity of Ohio’s elections by ensuring fairer representation and more competitive races. When politicians know they must answer to voters from across the political spectrum, they are more likely to focus on the issues that matter to all Ohioans—healthcare, education, jobs, and infrastructure—rather than catering to the extreme wings of their party.
This November, voting YES on Issue 1 is a vote for fairness, transparency, and democracy. It is an opportunity to build a better Ohio, where every voter has an equal voice, and every vote truly counts. Join the League of Women Voters, Ohio AFL-CIO, Equality Ohio, Ohio Environmental Council, and Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor in supporting Issue 1. Together, we can put an end to partisan gerrymandering and create a system that works for all Ohioans.
