(The Center Square) – Ohioans on Tuesday rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have replaced the current seven-member redistricting commission with a 15-member, nonpolitical commission to draw the state’s legislative districts.
Multiple news organizations reported that voters rejected Issue 1 54.5%-45.5%, with nearly 70% of the vote reported, following a months-long, expensive battle that saw Republicans pushing to keep the current system and Democrats arguing for change.
“The Ohio Chamber is pleased to see Ohio voters recognize the consequences that Issue 1 could have caused, had it passed. We agree that the current redistricting system is flawed; however, this constitutional amendment would have only created larger problems, like raising the cost of doing business in our state and making us less economically competitive,” Ohio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Stivers said Tuesday night. “We look forward to working with state legislators and elected officials going forward to find the right solution for all.”