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.
Supporters of the redistricting amendment expressed concerns over the misleading ballot language, drawing parallels to George Orwell's novel '1984.' They criticized the manipulation of the term 'gerrymandering' and questioned the integrity of elected officials.
A legal challenge is set to be filed in the Ohio Supreme Court next week by the Ohio League of Women Voters, arguing for the need to remove politicians from the redistricting process due to repeated violations of the law.
The ballot language described Issue 1 as repealing constitutional protections against gerrymandering approved by Ohio electors in previous years, despite court rulings declaring past maps unconstitutional in favor of Republicans.
Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose defended the ballot language as accurately summarizing the lengthy proposal submitted by Citizens Not Politicians. He emphasized the complexity of the proposed process and the thoroughness of the summary provided.
The proposed amendment seeks to replace the current redistricting commission with a 15-person citizen-led commission of Republicans, Democrats, and independents, selected by retired judges. Governor Mike DeWine, a member of the existing commission, has expressed concerns about the system and opposes the fall proposal.
Despite the unanimous vote on recent maps by the existing commission, Democrats agreed to the deal with the knowledge of potential changes in 2024. The ongoing debate highlights the contentious nature of redistricting in Ohio and the efforts to reform the process.
