Senator Turner: Redistricting Reform Should Reflect That Ohio is a 50-50 State

Columbus - Leaders of the bipartisan Redistricting Reform Task Force kicked off their initial meeting optimistic that they can craft a better way to draw congressional and legislative districts.

Critics of the current process, which allows the majority party to operate largely in secret and gerrymander districts to its political benefit, hope the panel of eight lawmakers can come up with a less-political way to draw maps that creates fewer safe seats.

“Elected officials are choosing their constituents instead of the constituents choosing their elected officials,” said Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, co-chairwoman of the task force. “Both parties need to go back to their colleagues and say this is not about political advantage, it’s about doing what’s in the best interest of the state.”

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