OEC Statement on Ohio Supreme Court Decision Striking Down State Legislative Maps [February, 2022]

Emily Bacha, Vice President of Public Affairs, February 7, 2022

Columbus, OH — Today the Supreme Court of Ohio once again ruled that the state legislative maps by the Ohio Redistricting Commission are invalid. Four justices voted to send Ohio’s state legislative redistricting plans back to the drawing board. The ruling declares the partisan gerrymandering performed in January 2022 as absolutely unconstitutional, just like the gerrymander conducted in September 2021.

In late September, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) joined forces with the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), the Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), and six individual plaintiffs to challenge the gerrymandered statehouse redistricting plan. Together, we’re represented by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School and the law firm Reed Smith.

The following statement can be attributed to Heather Taylor-Miesle, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council:

“The Ohio Redistricting Commission must listen to the Ohio Supreme Court: follow the Ohio Constitution. Work together. Create a fair map for all Ohioans. The Court has now told our elected leaders twice to stop gerrymandering. Ohioans are tired of self-interested politicians favoring their party over another, and it’s time for the Commission to finally follow the will of Ohio voters. We’re ready to build the healthy democracy we all deserve in pursuit of the healthy environment Ohioans need. We hope the Commission is ready, too.”

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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive and effective environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home.

Media Inquiries: ebacha<at>theoec.org