Groups opposed to gerrymandering criticize proposed language on Ohio redistricting measure

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Civil rights groups across Ohio are decrying the state elections chief’s proposed ballot language for a fall redistricting amendment as it goes up for a vote Friday, saying it intentionally twists their intent in order to boost opposition votes in November.

Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose proposes describing the Citizens Not Politicians measure as repealing “constitutional protections against gerrymandering approved by nearly three-quarters of Ohio electors” in 2015 and 2018. While that is technically the case, it is that very system that produced seven straight sets of legislative and congressional maps that courts declared unconstitutionally gerrymandered in Republicans’ favor.

Backers of the amendment also point to LaRose’s other loaded word choices. His proposed language says that the new commission is “partisan” and would be “required to manipulate” district boundaries, and that the amendment would “limit the right of Ohio citizens to freely express their opinions” to commission members.

“The self-dealing politicians who have rigged the legislative maps now want to rig the Nov. 5 election by illegally manipulating the ballot language,” former Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who helped champion the fall measure, said in a statement. “We will make our case for fair and accurate language before the Ballot Board and if necessary take it to court.”

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«RELATED COVERAGE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> RELATED COVERAGE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> GOP Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine opposes