Ohio voters push to get amendment ending political redistricting on the ballot

(The Center Square) – A constitutional amendment to prevent political redistricting is likely to appear on the Ohio ballot in November.The Citizens Not Politicians campaign delivered 731,306 signatures collected from all 88 Ohio counties to the Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office for a constitutional amendment to establish an independent redistricting commission.The initiative has broad bipartisan backing.Supporters say the amendment, which bars current or former politicians and lobbyists from district map decision-making, will prevent the political manipulation of district lines and ensure a transparent, impartial redistricting process.Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, applauded the organization’s efforts.“This is an extraordinary step in returning power to the people and putting citizens in charge of the redistricting process in Ohio,” Russo said.

“With fair districts, we can fund our schools properly, create good paying jobs, and stop pushing through divisive legislation that does nothing to help Ohio’s hardworking families get ahead.”Retired Republican Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who helped write the amendment, has been a vocal supporter throughout the process.Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Please provide a valid email address.

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“This support demonstrates that redistricting is not a partisan issue…[and] underscores that fair and transparent electoral districts are essential for a healthy democracy and that citizens want to be in charge of the process, not the politicians who have betrayed the public trust,” O’Connor said in a June statement.LaRose is expected to verify the signatures in the coming weeks; 413,487 of the signatures must be valid for the proposal to qualify for the state’s...