The president of the Ohio Senate says since census information is coming in late this year, it is impossible to draw new maps based on the dates in the process approved by voters back in 2015 and 2018. So, he鈥檚 proposing a different idea.
Republican Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) says the voter-approved process doesn鈥檛 have a contingency plan. And he says map drawing experts tell him the process won鈥檛 work under the new timelines.
鈥淪o it鈥檚, I think, an impossibility based on the best information I have," Huffman says.
Huffman wants voters to approve a constitutional amendment in August that allows lawmakers to change deadlines when data is delayed. Huffman says lawmakers would need to approve the amendment so it could be put before voters by May 5 - in a little over a week - to qualify for the August election.
Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) said in a statement:
鈥淥hioans overwhelmingly approved two redistricting reforms in recent years to end gerrymandering. We must respect and fulfill their wishes. As presented to us, the proposed amendment does not guarantee that people鈥檚 voices will be heard and does not ensure that the redistricting process will be fair, open and transparent."
The statement continues: "For years, Ohio鈥檚 congressional and state legislative districts have not represented the diversity of our state. It is imperative that we work together and deliver on the people鈥檚 goal of ending gerrymandering. It鈥檚 time to draw maps that truly reflect the will of Ohioans.鈥�
Other Democrats and groups instrumental in getting the new process approved say they鈥檙e waiting for details and want to see how other states will handle redistricting.
