Ohio Ballot Board Approves Controversial Language

The Ohio Ballot Board, led by GOP Secretary of State Frank LaRose, approved controversial ballot language for a proposed redistricting amendment, which critics claim is biased to dissuade voters. The amendment seeks to replace the current politician-led redistricting commission with a citizen-led one. Backers of the amendment, including former Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, argue that LaRose's 873-word language is manipulative and undermines voter intent, contrasting it with the 172-word version proposed by Citizens Not Politicians. The group plans to challenge the language in court, asserting it violates the Ohio Constitution's requirement for unbiased ballot language. The proposal comes after previous gerrymandering reforms in 2015 and 2018, which were deemed ineffective due to continued partisan map manipulation.