"This is a time to roll up our sleeves…to organize, to mobilize, and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together. Many people feel like we are entering a dark time. But only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. Let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars. The light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service. And may that work guide us even in the face of setbacks toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of America. "
Kamala Harris
Ohio Constitutional Amendments 2023 & 2024
DEFEATED 11/5/24
Citizens Not Politicians
The anti-gerrymandering Amendment to create the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission
November 6, 2024
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Marilou Johanek 9/24/24 commentary before the defeat of Issue 1
"Ohio Republican politicians desperately trying to dupe voters over anti-gerrymandering amendment"
Issue 1 Defeat: Praise from Conservatives, Concern from Advocates and Dems
​Ohio Chamber of Commerce claims Issue 1 would have "created larger problems."
but League of Women Voters believe voters "were duped"
by Frank LaRose's ballot language.
Click the photo for details from OhioCapitolJournal.com
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Fight for fair maps far from over
OGDEN NEWSPAPERS Nov 09, 2024
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Whether it was confusion over ballot language or truly a desire to maintain the system already in place, Ohio voters this week rejected an amendment that would have established a citizen-led commission to produce the state’s political maps. Though voters decided the Citizens Not Politicians effort was not the right way forward, it must not mean advocates give up the fight for a system that produces fair and constitutional voting maps.
“In analyzing the vote tonight, it is clear that the millions of Ohioans who voted 'yes' want to end gerrymandering,” former Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who helped lead the effort, said. “And it is also clear that those who voted no thought that they were voting to end gerrymandering.”
That last bit is a little unfair. There is room for those who simply think the terribly flawed Ohio Redistricting Commission should be replaced with a different alternative. In fact, Gov. Mike DeWine said he will pursue his own proposed alternative next year.
He must.
The commission defiantly refused to do its job on multiple occasions because its members understood there would be no consequences for ignoring orders to redraw maps that were found to have been unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans.
DeWine is a member of the commission, though he has agreed the maps should not be drawn by politicians. If he’s got a better idea, he must waste no time putting it into motion.
“While I am devastated by this loss, I will continue to fight for fair maps alongside the many
Ohioans — Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike — who demand better from our state government,” said state Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio. “The fight for fair maps is far from over.”
Antonio is correct. The desire for fair, constitutional political maps is not a partisan issue. It’s a desire of ALL Ohioans. DeWine and others must not delay in renewing the effort to make the maps fairly serve us, rather than one party.
The Right to Reproductive Freedom
with Protections for Health & Safety
Ohioans worked hard to get an initiative on the ballot so that we the people could vote to add an amendment to the State Constitution to protect reproductive rights.
On November 7, 2023 the Amendment passed 57% to 43%!
Click "Follow" for updates as the Amendment takes effect, including effect of new 6-1 GOP Ohio Supreme Court
Click "Inform" to learn how the opponents of Issue 1 plan to fight against the Amendment
Click "Read" to see
for yourself what the
amendment says.
