Democrats hold redistricting public forum Republican commissioners continue to stall

COLUMBUS – Ohio Redistricting Commission Co-Chair Sen. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) and House Minority Leader and Commission member Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) held a redistricting public forum today at the Ohio Statehouse after Republican commissioners refused to hold an official Redistricting Commission meeting despite multiple requests. Democrats heard from more than 60 Ohioans who shared their thoughts on the redistricting process and encouraged the Redistricting Commission to reconvene immediately to adopt fair, constitutional maps. 

“The Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Constitution make it clear that the Ohio Redistricting Commission must take the public’s input into account, and I have been impressed and inspired by Ohioans’ commitment to speaking up and staying involved throughout this process. We believe it’s still possible to adopt fair maps that comply with all requirements in the Ohio Constitution, as instructed by the Supreme Court – and as demanded by so many Ohioans, including those here today,” said Sen. Sykes. 

“I am forever grateful for all the Ohioans who have been fighting for fair districts for years. This process is exhausting, and it feels like our majority commissioners are putting up roadblocks every day. But, we will not give up. We still have time to do this. We still have a court order to do this. We won’t stop fighting until Ohioans have the fair, constitutional maps they deserve,” said Leader Russo.

The Redistricting Commission has a constitutional obligation to produce constitutional maps, but no meetings have been scheduled. The Commission is under a state court order to adopt new, constitutional state legislative maps by May 6, and Democrats are ready to get to work. 

Watch the full redistricting public forum HERE.