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Ohio voters reject Issue 1, maintain current redistricting process

Issue 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at changing the redistricting process in the state.

OHIO, USA — Ohio voters have rejected Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at changing the state’s redistricting process. The measure was defeated with a total of 2,724,202 votes against and 2,316,014 votes in favor. The vote totals are unofficial and not yet certified. 

Issue 1 sought to establish a new redistricting commission composed of members from the two largest political parties in Ohio. The commission would have been responsible for drawing state legislative and congressional district boundaries, with the goal of creating geographically contiguous districts. 

Opponents of Issue 1 argued that the amendment could lead to increased gerrymandering and reduce accountability.

Proponents of the measure expressed disappointment with the outcome, emphasizing their belief that the new commission would have created a fairer and more transparent redistricting process.

The defeat of Issue 1 means that Ohio will retain its current redistricting process, which includes protections against gerrymandering approved by voters in 2015 and 2018. As the state prepares for future elections, the debate over how to best draw district boundaries is likely to continue. 

Citizens Not Politicians, the organization that petitioned to get Issue 1 on the ballot, offered the following statement after the race was called:

"While tonight’s result is not what we had hoped for, the strength of this movement and the dedication of those who stood for democracy cannot be diminished.

Nearly two years ago, we set out to end gerrymandering in Ohio—to put the power of drawing legislative districts in the hands of the people. We did not take on an easy fight. We knew from the start that we were up against powerful forces, and while they may have found ways to obscure the truth, we stand here tonight with our heads held high.

To every volunteer who braved the cold, who stood in the rain, who knocked on doors and gathered signatures—thank you. This campaign was built on your hard work and your faith in a better Ohio.

You have proven that Ohioans will fight for what’s right. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, and Greens came together across the state because you believe that the people, not the politicians, should be in charge. You did this all in good faith, and that matters.

I want to extend special thanks to our core coalition, who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life:

  • The League of Women Voters

  • Ohio Common Cause

  • The volunteers and leaders in the Fair Districts Ohio coalition

  • The Ohio Organizing Collaborative

  • Ohio Conference of the NAACP

  • The Ohio Education Association

  • Ohio Federation of Teachers

  • Ohio AFL-CIO

  • Union Strong field program volunteers

  • A. Philip Randolph Institute

  • Brennan Center for Justice

  • The Ohio Unity Coalition

  • Ohio Citizen Action

  • Freedom Block

  • Red Wine and Blue

  • And the Ohio Women's Alliance.

This journey would not have been possible without your guidance and dedication. Thank you all.

Though we didn’t get the outcome we worked for, we have laid a powerful foundation. We will continue to push for an Ohio where every vote truly counts and where transparency and fairness guide our electoral process.

In analyzing the vote tonight, it is clear that the millions of Ohioans who voted yes want to end gerrymandering. And it is also clear that those who voted no thought that they were voting to end gerrymandering.

We have built something lasting, and we will continue to hold those in power accountable. Our opponents may have won this round, but we are not defeated.

Let us carry forward the commitment, the resilience, and the spirit that brought us here tonight. We owe it to ourselves, to each other, and to the future of our state.

Thank you for your courage, your hard work, and your belief in democracy. Together, we will continue to strive for an Ohio that serves all its citizens. Thank you."

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