Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to shift the responsibility of redistricting Ohio’s 15 congressional districts from politicians to a citizen panel. This panel would consist of 15 members, including five Republicans, five Democrats, and five independent voters. The proposed amendment, which garnered enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, is championed by the Citizens Not Politicians campaign.
If approved, the amendment would replace the current Ohio Redistricting Commission, which comprises three statewide officeholders and four state lawmakers. The new panel would exclude lobbyists, elected officials, and political consultants and would be selected with the assistance of retired judges.
DeWine, a Republican, argues that the amendment would exacerbate gerrymandering issues and prioritize proportionality over other considerations. He believes that adopting a system similar to Iowa’s nonpartisan legislative service commission model would be a more effective approach to redistricting.
On the other hand, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, a Democrat, supports the proposed amendment, emphasizing the need to remove politicians from the redistricting process to ensure fair maps for the future.
Retired Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, a supporter of Citizens Not Politicians, has accused DeWine of spreading misinformation about the issue. She criticizes DeWine’s endorsement of what he calls ‘The Iowa Plan,’ which she argues would still give politicians the final say on maps.
The current redistricting system in Ohio, involving the state Legislature and a redistricting commission composed of elected officials, including DeWine, has resulted in seven rounds of maps being deemed unconstitutional by courts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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