Backers of a fall redistricting amendment in Ohio are preparing for legal action after the state ballot board approved language describing their proposal in a way they deemed inaccurate and manipulative. The approved language for the proposed 15-member citizen redistricting panel stated that the panel would not be elected or subject to removal by voters, which was met with objections from Citizens Not Politicians' lawyer.
The language also portrayed the restrictions on lobbyists and politicians influencing the map-drawing process as limits on citizens' rights to free expression. Additionally, a last-minute change described the amendment, aimed at preventing partisan gerrymandering, as requiring it.
