Ohio voting reform advocates push for fair maps

By Farah Siddiqi

Ohioans are preparing for a major test of democracy this fall as lawmakers redraw the state’s congressional map.

Fair map advocates said the process will shape representation for the next decade.

Bria Bennett, communications director for the Ohio Organizing Collaborative and the Equal Districts Coalition, said the stakes extend far beyond state lines.

"What happens this year with the redrawing of our maps will affect us through the year 2032," Bennett pointed out. "Ohio is the only state that is required to redraw a map, which is why all eyes are on Ohio. What happens here will affect the landscape of Washington politically."

The congressional map drawn in 2022 was used only for two election cycles because it lacked bipartisan approval, as required under the Ohio Constitution.

Advocates will rally at the Statehouse Tuesday for "Fair Maps Day," organized by Fair Districts and Equal Districts. Bennett stressed the goal is to remind lawmakers communities across Ohio want transparency and equal representation.

"Ohioans are sick of being cheated out of fair representation," Bennett emphasized. "We’re calling for transparency. We’re calling for community integrity. We’re calling for balanced representation. We just want our politicians to do what’s right."

Republicans currently hold 10 of Ohio’s 15 congressional seats, though statewide results in 2024 split 55% Republican to 44% Democratic. Reformers argued a fair map should produce closer to an 8–7 balance of seats. Lawmakers leading the process said they will follow constitutional rules.

Reporting by Ohio News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest and funded in part by the George Gund Foundation.