September 9, 2021
Testimony of the OEC Regarding the Proposed Ohio Statehouse Legislative District Map (September 2021)
Today, the OEC submitted testimony to the Ohio Redistricting Commission regarding maps proposed for our state’s legislative districts.
Ohioans want fair districts. They want districts, and thus representatives, that reflect their perspectives, lived experiences, and communities. The constitutional amendment passed in 2015 enshrined these values by requiring “representational fairness.” The constitutional amendment changing our redistricting process passed with overwhelming margins.
The OEC opposes any form of gerrymandering designed to support partisan interests or particular political parties. To that end, we believe the most important rule included in the 2015 constitutional amendment is its commitment to representational fairness. Ohio’s legislative maps must represent communities, lived experiences, and geographies, while also creating a legislature that does not favor one party over another through district design.
We encourage everyone to submit their own written testimony or attend a hearing and provide in-person testimony! Learn more about what you can do to fight for fair maps on our Redistricting page.