Ohio Democratic Party Statement on GOP-Led Redistricting Commission Missing a Critical Constitutional Deadline
September 1, 2021
Columbus, OH — Today, the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) released the following statement as the Republican-led Ohio Redistricting Commission misses a critical deadline today, one that is enshrined in the constitution requiring the commission to have produced a map proposal and have held three public hearings on the map by today, September 1st.
With so much on the line for Ohioans with redistricting — from healthcare to education to the economy — it says a lot about how seriously the Ohio GOP takes this process when they’ve already failed to live up to their constitutional obligations. And when Democrats on the Commission pressed Republicans on missing the deadline, and when maps may be produced for the public to see, Republicans flippantly replied “when it is presented.” The goal of the original provision was to ensure Ohioans had the opportunity to have their voices heard and hold their elected officials accountable on any proposed maps.
“Ohioans voted twice overwhelmingly for fair districts and a better redistricting process, but Ohio Republicans are playing the same political games they always have — putting their partisan agenda ahead of the transparency and accountability the voters have called for. With so much on the line for Ohio families, voters deserve a fair and open process. But sadly, Ohio Republicans will always put their own self-interest above the interests of working Ohioans,” said Matt Keyes, spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic Party.