» WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: State Issue 1 wins easily; will change how Ohio draws Congressional lines
1. What’s the current system?
Currently, the General Assembly is in charge of drawing the congressional district maps every 10 years, which in practice gives the majority party control over the process.
2. How would Issue 1 change that system?
It’s confusing, so the Dayton Daily News will break it down for you. The proposal sets up a three-step process:
• The General Assembly may approve a 10-year map if a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate agree, including at least half of the members of the minority and majority parties. It would require the governor’s signature.
• If the Legislature fails to adopt a map, the seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission would take over. It may pass a 10-year map if it has at least four votes, including two from the minority party.
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• If the commission fails to act, the responsibility returns to the Legislature, which can pass a 10-year map with three-fifths majority vote, including one-third of the minority party members. It would require the governor’s signature.
3. So what happens if that process doesn’t result in a 10-year map?
If the three steps don’t result in a 10-year map, the majority party controlling the Legislature may adopt a four-year map, providing it follows guardrails to protect against unduly favoring a political party or incumbents and against splitting up counties into multiple congressional districts.
BREAKING: State Issue 1 cruises to victory. https://t.co/QX03l4ZwJH pic.twitter.com/QJ51rEAmDd
— Ohio Politics (@Ohio_Politics) May 9, 2018
Wondering about State Issue 1 - the #redistrictingreform proposal on tomorrow's ballot in Ohio? Let me break it down for you. https://t.co/XAgVL5claC
— Lynn Hulsey (@LynnHulseyDDN) May 7, 2018
Take a bow reformers! You won. Ohioans took a big swing at knocking out Congressional #gerrymandering by approving Issue 1 by a huge margin. @https://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/state-issue-has-broad-support-today-ballot/HGUerHuIWLbtW9Yp3iEJAK/
— Lynn Hulsey (@LynnHulseyDDN) May 9, 2018