Ohio initiates state boundaries drawing competition

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The League of Women Voters of Ohio announced last week a competition for redistricting in Ohio. For the first time, a statewide office will provide all Ohioans with the opportunity to take part in a competition to draw Ohio’s congressional districts. The competition was organized by the League of Women Voters of Ohio in partnership with State Representatives Dan Stewart and Vernon Sykes, Dr. Richard Gunther of The Ohio State University, Ohio Citizen Action, Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Common Cause Ohio.

The goal of the Ohio Redistricting Competition is to demonstrate that an open process based on objective criteria can produce fair legislative districts in Ohio. During the competition, they believe conversation about the process will occur, leading to the development of the best possible redistricting recommendations for consideration by the Ohio General Assembly.

Supporters hope the approach in the winning plan will be part of a ballot issue this fall or in the May primary next year. They hope to amend the state Constitution and change how Ohio redraws its district boundaries after the 2010 census.

“We believe this redistricting competition will show that our state can transition to a fair, open process for drawing legislative lines,” said Linda D. Lalley, president of the League of Women Voters of Ohio.

Read more about it. Get the fact sheet. Listen to a podcast. Sign up for the competition.