The Facts on Issue 1

When politicians draw biased, ridiculously shaped voting districts to favor their own interests, it’s called gerrymandering, and Ohio is right now one of the 10 most gerrymandered states in America.

The politicians who drew voting district maps the Ohio Supreme Court ruled were unconstitutional 7 times will do anything to stay in power – including trying to trick voters with lies on your ballot itself about Issue 1.

Get the facts and reject the politicians’ lies. Issue 1 will end gerrymandering by empowering citizens, not politicians, to draw fair districts using an open and transparent process. It will:

  • Create the 15-member Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission made up of Democratic, Republican, and Independent citizens who broadly represent the different geographic areas and demographics of the state. 
  • Ban current or former politicians, political party officials and lobbyists from sitting on the Commission.
  • Require fair and impartial districts by making it unconstitutional to draw voting districts that discriminate against or favor any political party or individual politician.
  • Require the commission to operate under an open and independent process
Educate yourself with the facts on Issue 1 here and read the full Issue 1 text here.

Issue 1 is endorsed by Republicans, Democrats and Independents

Here’s what newspapers across Ohio are saying about Issue 1:

Akron Beacon Journal: Ohio Issue 1 would give more power to voters.
We heartily endorse Issue 1 as a critical step in reforming Ohio’s state government and attracting more moderate candidates to run in their party primaries with reasonable hopes of prevailing into a fair general election. Vote yes.”

Cincinnati Enquirer: Issue 1 will end gerrymandering, returning power to Ohio’s voters
“When it’s time to update political districts, Democratic and Republican lawmakers nationwide consistently show they’re more interested in protecting their seats and helping their party.”

Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Issue 1 would give more power to voters.
“Make no mistake, Issue 1 will end gerrymandering and remove self-serving politicians from the process. Neither party would control the maps … Ohio voters must seize power from greedy politicians when they head to the polls on or before Nov. 5.”

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Yes on Issue 1, the Citizens Not Politicians redistricting amendment
In short, passage of Issue 1 will end gerrymandering in Ohio. We emphatically endorse it. Rarely do Ohioans have such an opportunity to improve their government … We are passionate about Issue 1. Please vote ‘yes.’ Future generations will be glad we made this change.”

Toledo Blade: Yes on 1 to end gerrymandering.
“Ohio Issue 1 is recognition that state government belongs to citizens. Districts drawn by civic-minded Ohioans in public view can help restore trust in state government that has been eroded by constant scandal always tied to partisan political advantage. Issue 1 is an improvement on politician control of redistricting and should be approved by Ohio voters.

Warren Tribune Chronicle: Don’t fall for deceptive ballot language on Ohio Issue 1.
“A vote for Issue 1 is a vote to restore full and fair participation in the drawing of election districts in Ohio. A vote for Issue 1 is a vote to end decades of politicians in power conniving to preserve and expand that power.”

More than 100 organizations, businesses, and thought leaders across Ohio encourage voters to vote YES on Issue 1.

See the full list of supporters here.