COLUMBUS — Republicans on the Ohio Redistricting Commission have sent an adjusted map of congressional districts back to the state’s high court that delivers two-thirds of the seats to their party.
Democrats opposed the plan Wednesday.
“Simply put, this congressional map disrespects Ohio voters and ignores the Supreme Court ruling by doubling down on the same level of partisan gerrymandering we’ve been living under for the last 10 years.” House Minority Leader and Commission member Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington).
It is subject to Ohio Supreme Court review. Justices invalidated an earlier congressional map as gerrymandered.
The decision said it didn’t have to match Ohio’s 54% Republican-46% Democratic breakdown but should be fair.
Russo argued that at least 66% of the congressional districts in the new map are Republican.
The first map had six safe GOP seats, two safe Democratic seats and seven tossups that experts said favored Republicans.
The new one includes 10 Republican seats, three Democratic seats and two Democratic-leaning tossups.
“The map is full of odd-shaped, sprawling districts that fail to keep communities of interest together, ultimately diluting the power of people’s votes. Voters expected and deserve much better,” read a statement issued Wednesday by the Fair Districts Ohio coalition made up of the progressive group Common Cause Ohio and the League of Women Voters.
Following the approval of the map, Secretary of State Frank LaRose directed Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections to begin taking the necessary steps to place the congressional candidates on the May 3rd primary ballot. LaRose on Saturday issued a similar order to the boards, instructing them to include candidates for the Ohio General Assembly on the ballot.
Legislators approved a $9 million request from LaRose to help elections officials manage the demands of preparing for primary caused by six-months of legal wrangling over the maps, on top of a nearly five-month delay in getting census data to the Redistricting Commission and supply chain issues that have plagued nearly every sector of the economy.
Bill removes concealed-carry license requirement
Lawmakers at the Statehouse yesterday passed a bill that would allow anyone in Ohio 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon without a permit or undergoing training.
The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Terry Johnson (R-Scioto County) would also end the requirement that individuals inform police officers they’re carrying a concealed weapon. The bill requires only that such people provide the information if asked by an officer.
The House and Senate approved the proposal’s final version Wednesday and sent it to Gov. Mike DeWine, who’s expected to sign it.
Law enforcement groups oppose the measure, concerned about the legislation’s lack of required training.