How it would affect voters, what opponents and supporters say

CINCINNATI – Voters going to the polls in Ohio will notice another “Issue 1” on their ballot this general election – this time the measure is a redistricting proposal that could dramatically change the balance of power in the state House.

The goal of Issue 1 is to end gerrymandering, where district boundaries are manipulated to favor one political party.

“We have some of the most biased maps in the country, not just at the congressional level but also in the House and Senate,” Dr. David Niven, professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati.

Niven was asked by the League of Women Voters Ohio to look at the state's district maps and find out whether the gerrymandering problem was fixed by Ohio's latest redistricting reform.

“My answer to my review of the districts is unequivocally: No, we have not fixed the problem,” Niven said. “We have changed some issues, but the fundamentals are still the same.”

Ohio Secretary of State

The League of Women Voters Ohio is advocating for Issue 1, saying current district maps would harm all voters.

“What we’re seeing are these queer districts that are making it difficult for Ohio voters to be heard and represented,” said Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters Ohio.

One of those “weird” districts Miller is referring to is the 1st Congressional District here in Cincinnati.

Miller says those who created the map grouped the city of Cincinnati with Warren County, creating a “land bridge” since the two have no connection. But she says the shape isn't the biggest problem.

“The biggest concern would be the profound differences between residents of Warren County and Cincinnati,” Miller said.

She added that the two areas have drastic differences in financial, home ownership rates and more, which often leads to one of the two being disappointed by their political leaders.

However, many Republican lawmakers disagree and say the current maps are working.

“The three most important things are making sure you have one person and one voice, that you keep communities together, that you maintain compactness and that you can only divide communities once,” said Republican State Representative Adam Mathews (District 56).

Taylor Mirfendereski | WCPO

Mathews argues that if Issue One is adopted, the district maps will be thrown into disarray.

“It will drive both regional and political polarization, all in favor of adding two Democratic congressional seats,” Mathews said.

He and other opponents of Issue 1 add that only new Democrats who get elected will benefit, and if they really wanted “unbiased maps,” they would just change who draws them.