Newly-Announced Redistricting Hearing Schedule Not Robust or Accessible Enough to Engage All Ohioans

For Immediate Release:
August 13, 2021
Contact:
Fabiola Rodriguez
rodriguez@redistrictingaction.org

Newly-Announced Redistricting Hearing Schedule Not Robust or Accessible Enough to Engage All Ohioans
 

Today the Ohio Redistricting Commission finally announced when it will host public hearings across the state to engage the public in the upcoming map-drawing process. Understanding the importance of hosting a people-powered redistricting process, All On The Line (AOTL) Ohio has been calling for these hearings to be scheduled since February 2021.
 
“The Ohio Redistricting Commission announcing a hearing schedule that fails to meet basic standards for accessibility at the 11th hour is incredibly frustrating. The first hearing will take place just seven days before the first map deadline - not leaving nearly enough time to actually absorb public input about what our maps need to look like,” said Katy Shanahan, Ohio State Director for AOTL. 
 
“No matter who we are or where we live, we all deserve an equal say in what our political future will be. The commission should be eager to hear from every corner of the state, but by not providing virtual options, hosting these hearings during business hours, and by ignoring many important parts of the state - like central Ohio, which has seen the biggest population growth over the last decade - they have made public input inaccessible to many working families, parents, and caregivers. This isn’t what we demanded in our reform measures,” Shanahan continued. 
 
“It’s disappointing to see the Commissioners rush a half-hearted public hearing schedule because they failed to take action months ago to jump start this once-in-a-decade task of drawing Ohio’s maps. Nevertheless, we look forward to helping Ohioans make their voices heard at these hearings so we achieve the fair, representative maps we deserve,” Shanahan said.
 
 

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