Ohio Finalizes Controversial Redistricting Ballot Language

The Ohio Ballot Board finalized the ballot language for Issue 1, a proposed redistricting reform measure, incorporating minor court-ordered changes regarding judicial review and public participation. The Ohio Supreme Court largely upheld the Republican-authored summary, which critics, including Democrats on the board, argue is misleading and biased against the reform. Proponents of Issue 1 assert that it aims to eliminate partisan gerrymandering, while the approved language controversially states the new commission would be 'required to gerrymander.' Despite Democratic objections, the final language was approved along party lines. The changes were necessary ahead of absentee ballots being mailed out to overseas voters.