State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Ohioans approve new process to draw congressional districts

The Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans overwhelmingly voted to revamp the process for drawing congressional districts, holding the promise that the next map will feature less gerrymandering by politicians and more fairness for voters.

With the easy passage of state Issue 1 on Tuesday, no longer will the majority party at the Statehouse be allowed to hide in a secret room to gerrymander congressional districts with few rules on how lines are drawn.

“Ohio voters have made their voices heard and sent a clear message that they want a fair, transparent government that works for them,” said Ann Henkener of the Ohio League of Women Voters, which was part of a coalition that pushed for a ballot issue that provided valuable leverage in the weeks of closed-door debate of the issue.

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