In 2015 and again in 2018, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved reform measures to ensure a fair and transparent redistricting process. This is essential for the creation of fair election maps, free from the partisan gerrymandering that lets politicians choose their voters rather than the other way round. In order to uphold the promise of those reforms we supported with our votes, we need to be sure that the officials entrusted with drawing our maps are prepared to host a fair, transparent process with ample opportunities for public input.
We are now just two months away from receiving our redistricting data from the Census Bureau. Yet we still don’t know who will be appointed to draw our maps. Governor DeWine has not yet convened the official governmental commission charged with creating our new state legislative districts. As part of the 2015 reform measure — and now the Ohio State Constitution — he alone, as Governor, has the authority to convene this commission. The time for him to do so is now. There is no reason to further delay this vital process.
There is essential, critical groundwork to be done immediately in order to prepare and establish a fair redistricting process. This is why Governor DeWine must convene the commission as soon as possible so that its members can get to work preparing for the monumental task of drawing districts. There is no excuse for foot-dragging — fair maps can’t wait any longer.
Anesa Miller
Bowling Green
