And then there were 15
The U.S. Census Bureau released apportionment data Monday, and, as expected, Ohio lost one congressional seat. The rest of the data needed for official mapmakers to draw new districts won't be released until mid-August at the earliest, but that doesn't mean there isn't work to be done right away to get ready for map drawing.
[Note -- the map above is a citizen's suggestion. You too can draw your own versions of our 15-district state any time! There are many free mapping software tools to use, such as Dave Redistricting, Districtr, District Builder, and others. Give it a try -- and get ready for a mapping competition that will start later this year.]
Here's a message from All on the Line with things to keep in mind about Ohio's redistricting process now that we know we are losing a congressional seat:
The new redistricting criteria will likely reorganize districts in most metropolitan areas meaning many districts will be reconfigured but not necessarily due to the lost seat.
While the new redistricting rules outline some major shifts in how the congressional lines will be drawn (especially in urban areas), it's important for us to continue fighting to ensure that communities across the state are protected against being gerrymandered.
The new redistricting process for state and congressional maps requires significant input from both parties in the legislature and the Ohio Redistricting Commission, meaning more potential bipartisan consensus.
Click to Take Action!
The Ohio Redistricting Commission -- mostly in charge of drawing our state legislative maps -- hasn’t been convened yet. We don’t even know who all the members of the Commission will be. Click HERE to call on Gov. DeWine to convene the Commission.
We need legislative leaders to pass a required bill to set up how Ohioans can submit their own proposed congressional maps as part of the redistricting process. Click HERE to call your Ohio House and Senate members to demand action.
There are many actions Ohio lawmakers can take to get ready for mapmaking, including calling for public hearings to look into creating a new timeline for mapmaking. Click HERE to send an email to mapmakers to tell them to get to work to get ready for redistricting.
Setting New Timelines for Redistricting -- Eyes on Huffman
Because the full census data will not be released until late summer, it's going to be difficult (or impossible) to meet Ohio's constitutionally mandated redistricting deadlines. One of the most important reasons to begin public hearings now is simply to figure out how to set new deadlines in a way that ensures a fair and functional process for all stakeholders.
This week, Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman is pushing the idea of a Constitutional amendment to set new redistricting timelines. The bill he is proposing would have to pass next week (that's really soon), then be voted on in an August special election (what percentage of voters would turn up?). Read about it in this Dispatch story.
While a new timeline is clearly needed, Huffman's proposal would drastically shorten the time available for mapmaking and public input, and it would place the power to set deadlines in the hands of the GOP supermajority -- bad ideas all around.
Ohio's redistricting process is way too important to risk getting it wrong.
We need public hearings so we can hear from experts and interested parties and figure out a new timeline and process that truly make best sense in these circumstances.
Take Action
Contact Senate President Huffman and Speaker Cupp to tell them not to change Ohio's constitution in a hurry: We need to hear from experts and interested parties before setting a new redistricting timeline.
Senate President Matt Huffman:
614-466-7584
Huffman@OhioSenate.gov
https://twitter.com/matthuffman1
House Speaker Bob Cupp:
614-466-9624
Rep04@OhioHouse.gov
https://twitter.com/SpeakerCupp