Retired Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor will speak about Issue 1 and the fight against gerrymandering at The College of Wooster on Tuesday.

O’Connor’s appearance, presented by the League of Women Voters and titled Citizens not Politicians, will be held at 7 p.m. at the Gault Recital Hall, Scheide Music Center, 525 E. University St. It is open to the public and free of charge.

O’Connor, who retired in December after 38 years in law, made history as the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. She is known for her efforts to strike down unconstitutional legislative maps and will highlight the history and consequences of gerrymandering in her talk, while emphasizing the need to pass Issue 1, which seeks to return redistricting power to voters.

“Justice O’Connor is passionate about ensuring that voters’ voices are heard,” said Brenda Linnick, a member of the League of Women Voters. “Ohio is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country, and this is about giving power back to Ohioans to ensure fair representation.”

O’Connor advocates for transparency, fairness in elections

The event is part of a broader effort by the League of Women Voters to inform Ohioans ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

The Wooster League of Women Voters also plans to hold a pre-election candidate forum featuring issues and candidates.

In her advocacy for Issue 1, O’Connor has been a vocal supporter of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

“She twice told them that the maps currently in use were illegal,” Linnick said. “I hold her in great admiration because she is a Republican and a defender of justice. She does what is right for the people and feels that the people’s voices need to be heard.”

Family connection to Wooster

O’Connor, with a personal connection to the Wooster community through her sister Brigid O’Connor, emphasized her passion for engaging young voters.

“I’m honored to visit Wooster. My sister is a small business owner downtown, and I have always loved the community,” she said. “My goal is to engage young people in this critical issue so they will vote Yes on Issue 1. Their involvement is essential for shaping a future where democracy truly reflects the will of the people.”

She encourages younger voters to take a stand for fairness and transparency.

“I want younger voters to know that their voice matters. By voting yes on Issue 1, they are taking a stand for the future of Ohio’s democracy,” she said.

Her visit is part of a statewide tour raising awareness and support for the election in November.

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