In the heart of a pivotal election season, I had the opportunity to attend a redistricting reform meeting hosted by Common Cause Ohio. With the stakes at an all-time high—especially concerning Issue 1 on the ballot this November—the meeting drew a diverse crowd of attendees, all focused on promoting fair representation and maintaining the integrity of our elections.

The meeting largely focused on correcting misinformation being spread about Issue 1, volunteering and canvassing opportunities, and continuing to build a multiparty alliance to “help push Issue 1 over the finish line”.

Understanding Issue 1 in Ohio

Issue 1 on the ballot this November is a crucial measure aimed at reforming the redistricting process in Ohio. Spearheaded by the “Citizens Not Politicians” campaign, it seeks to establish an independent commission responsible for drawing electoral district maps, consisting of 15 Democratic, Republican, or Independent Ohioans who broadly represent the different geographic areas and demographics of the state. 

This initiative is designed to create fairer and more transparent district boundaries, ensuring that communities are accurately represented, as well as reduce the influence of partisan politics. The law would make it unconstitutional to draw voting districts that discriminate against or favor any political party or individual politician. 

According to Jane Mayer, the chief Washington correspondent for The New Yorker, Ohio has recently shifted sharply toward extremist policies on issues like abortion and gun control, leaving many voters feeling alienated. While a significant majority of Ohio voters have called for reforms in the past, Mayer notes that “the voters’ will has thus far been ignored.”

By supporting Issue 1, voters have the opportunity to help safeguard the democratic process, lessen the effects of radical partisanship, and ensure that every Ohioan’s voice is heard in our electoral system. As the election approaches, understanding the implications of this measure is vital for anyone concerned about the future of representation in our state.

Correcting Misinformation

The organizers at Common Cause spent much of the meeting addressing the misinformation spreading across Ohio, primarily driven by the “misleading and disingenuous” ballot language that was approved last month, despite a ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court requiring several sections of that language to be rewritten.

To be clear, If you vote “yes,” for Issue 1, you will be voting to give the power of the pen to citizens. If you decide to vote “no” on Issue 1, that means you like the status quo and the way the system works.

The approved ballot language states that the proposed amendment would “establish a new taxpayer-funded commission of appointees required to gerrymander state legislative and congressional districts”. The amendment consists of ten articles, making it quite complex and challenging to navigate for the average voter. This language aligns with Jennfier R. Mercieca’s findings on weaponized communication, as it is “designed to overwhelm audiences… and distort reality (272)

Travis Irvine, the director of communication for the Ohio Libertarian party, said that proponents of Issue 1 do not “need to talk about the lies”, but rather “learn how to get around them”. 

Irvine recommends that supporters of the bill focus on promoting what is good about the amendment, writing letters to the editors of local newspapers, sharing op-eds regarding Issue 1 on social media, and talking to your friends and neighbors about it. 

Catherine Turcer, the Executive Director for Common Cause Ohio, argued that “The only people that want you to vote ‘No’ on this amendment are the Republican power brokers in the Statehouse”. 

Turcer stressed the importance of maintaining the multiparty alliance that Common Cause has formed over the past year, telling meeting attendees that this election “is bigger than Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and members of smaller parties– this Issue affects everyone.” 

There were members of both major political parties attending the event, as well as a large group of libertarian Ohioans. All of the attendees, regardless of party, were very against the seemingly unchecked state representatives passing extremist laws. 

Taking Action

Nearing the end of the meeting, a Common Cause member reminded the audience that “there’s a big difference in saying stuff and actually doing stuff” and invited every attendee to future events, rallies, and Ohio Voter Rights Coalition meetings.

There were also lots of volunteer opportunities advertised, such as holding “Yes on 1” signs outside of polling places in free speech zones, distributing yard signs, buttons, and other merchandise, and helping monitor the Election Protection Hotline. 

Anyone can get involved in the fight for redistricting reform in Ohio this year, regardless of their background or experience. This is a crucial moment for our democracy, and every voice matters. Whether you’re attending community meetings, reaching out to your local representatives, or sharing information with friends and family, there are countless ways to contribute.

 By standing together, we can advocate for fair representation and lessen the effects of extreme partisanship, ensuring that our electoral processes truly reflect the will of the people.