COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bipartisan agreement to overhaul the way Ohio draws its legislative districts now goes to the voters.
A resolution to amend the Ohio Constitution with a new process cleared the Legislature on Wednesday.
The state alters district lines to reflect population shifts identified by the U.S. Census every 10 years. The process is called redistricting and both political parties have acknowledged flaws in Ohio’s system, which is frequently criticized as partisan.
Ohio’s chief elections official was among the supporters who say the revamped process would create more competitive districts.
“This is great news for the people of Ohio and an important step in fixing what is broken in our democracy,” said Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted. “Legislative elections will be more competitive and the elected representatives more accountable to those they serve. The voice of the average voter became stronger today.”
The measure would create a seven-member panel to redraw lines. Two minority-party votes would be needed to adopt the boundaries for the 10-year period. Lacking those votes, the majority could temporarily draw them under stricter rules.
The proposal will be put before Ohio voters during the November 2015 election.