Issue 1 has earned broad support from Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, and Democrats because it will end gerrymandering in Ohio. Issue 1 includes an explicit ban of gerrymandering in the Ohio Constitution and will create a new Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw Ohio’s Congressional and Statehouse legislative districts. The politicians who run the current system made Ohio one of the 10 most gerrymandered states in the country and drew maps that were ruled unconstitutional seven times by the Ohio Supreme Court.

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What newspapers across Ohio are saying about Issue 1:

Akron Beacon Journal, Oct. 13: Ohio Issue 1 would give more power to voters. Here’s how. “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, Oct. 20: 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, Oct. 6: Editorial: Ohio Issue 1 would give more power to voters. Here’s how. “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, Oct. 13: Yes on Issue 1, the Citizens Not Politicians redistricting amendment: endorsement editorial. “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, Oct. 6: 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, Sept. 27: 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.”

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

The diverse coalition supporting the historic initiative includes Republicans, Independents and Democrats and is made up of business groups, nonpartisan policy groups, labor unions, civil rights organizations, and faith-based organizations representing hundreds of thousands of Ohioans across the political spectrum.

Nonpartisan election experts and organizations from across the U.S. and Ohio recently issued endorsements for voting Yes on Issue 1. A bipartisan group of more than 90 business leaders has also released an open letter endorsing the amendment.    

Gerrymandering, the practice of drawing political boundaries to favor a particular party or group, undermines fair representation and effective policy. Ohio is recognized as one of the worst states for gerrymandering, affecting the lives of millions of Ohioans.

The Citizens Not Politicians Amendment will:

• Create the 15-member Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission composed of Republican, Democratic, and independent citizens representing the state’s diverse geography and demographics.
• Ban current or former politicians, political party officials, and lobbyists from serving on the commission.
• Require the creation of fair and impartial districts, prohibiting any drawing of voting districts that discriminate against or favor any political party or individual politician.
• Operate under an open and independent process.

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Organizational endorsements include: