AOTL: Senate President Huffman’s Ohio Redistricting Schedule Proposal Is A Non-Starter

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2021
Contact:
Molly Mitchell
mitchell@redistrictingaction.org

AOTL: Senate President Huffman’s Ohio Redistricting
Schedule Proposal Is A Non-Starter

Census Return Delay Does Not Create an Excuse to Toss Out
Voter-Approved Redistricting Schedule

In February, the U.S. Census Bureau announced it would not be releasing redistricting data to the states until late summer or fall due to the global pandemic. This delay presents significant challenges to Ohio given deadlines set out in the state constitution as a result of two voter-approved ballot reform measures. Senate President Huffman recently unveiled a proposed constitutional amendment to address these challenges. However, that proposal is a non-starter as it would upend the voter-approved schedule to account for the census delay.

“In 2015 and 2018, Ohioans sent a clear message to our map drawers: we want fair maps drawn through a transparent and inclusive process where the public has plenty of opportunities to engage. Senate President Huffman’s proposal is nothing more than a partisan power grab – brought to us by the same politicians who gerrymandered Ohio into oblivion,” said Katy Shanahan, All On The Line (AOTL) Ohio State Director.  

“The delay in receiving redistricting data from the U.S. Census Bureau is absolutely not an excuse for the state legislature to cut corners in terms of transparency or public engagement. Senate President Huffman’s proposal is a slap in the face to advocates and voters who worked tirelessly to bring real reform to Ohio’s redistricting process. We will be working to find solutions that mitigate the impact of the census delay without sacrificing a fair and transparent process,” continued Shanahan.

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