Local League of Women Voters discuss proposed redistricting amendment

Anna Reier, Asst. Campus and Community Editor

On the evening of Aug. 28, the League of Women Voters of Oxford (LWVO) held an informational session about a proposed constitutional amendment that would implement a 15-member redistricting commission composed of “citizens, not politicians.”

Kathie Brinkman, LWVO co-president and certified member of the Ohio League of Women Voters’ speakers bureau, led the session. She said the citizen commission would consist of five Republicans, five Democrats and five independents, all tasked with redistricting the state.

To qualify for the committee, individuals must have been Ohio residents for at least six years and cannot have any affiliation with a political office, Brinkman said. This includes being an officeholder, staff member, lobbyist or family member of an associated individual.

If the amendment passes, the commission must complete the redistricting process before the 2026 primary election.

Maps are set to be ready by mid-September of 2025, Brinkman said. They will then be certified at the state level by the Ohio Secretary of State, who will then have one day to turn the certification in. Brinkman also discussed previous failed efforts to address gerrymandering and explained why this amendment is different.

In 2015, a statewide initiative changed the redistricting process, passing with over 70% of the vote. However, little action was taken afterward, and the same issues persisted in 2018. Politicians attempted to “run out the clock” on the issue as there were no real consequences, according to Brinkman.

“The difference this time is that there is a process and an outcome to fix it,” Brinkman said.

One key architect of the amendment is former Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor.

“[Chief Justice O’Connor] is well aware of the loopholes in the constitution,” Brinkman said, “and she worked on this because she wants it fixed.”

The session drew community members and students, including Evelyn Morrison, a senior public administration major.

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“I came because … I think it’s incredibly important for students to be politically engaged," Morrison said. “I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn more about Issue One and how to end gerrymandering.”

Mollie Duffey, a senior public administration major and league member, also attended the meeting.

“I am really invested in voting ‘yes’ on Issue One this November,” Duffey said. “... I really wanted to come and hear the specifics on the amendment and the issue.”

Duffey also commented on the importance of the election for students.

“This issue ultimately affects [student] representation in the House and Senate,” Duffey said. “With Senate Bill 83 being violently opposed by students across the state, it is important that we have politicians that actually represent our interests.”

reieram@miamioh.edu