Ohio voters face a key decision on November 5 with Issue One, a proposed constitutional amendment aiming to overhaul the state’s redistricting process by transferring the power to draw legislative and congressional districts from elected officials to an independent citizen-led commission.
The amendment, dubbed the “Citizens Not Politicians” initiative, proposes the creation of a 15-member Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commission would be composed of five Republicans, five Democrats, and five independents or members of minor parties. Selection would be managed by a bipartisan panel of retired judges, and political officeholders, lobbyists, and party officials would be barred from serving on the commission. Proponents argue this shift would prevent gerrymandering, the practice of drawing district lines to favor one political party over another, and ensure fairer representation across the state.
Supporters, including a bipartisan coalition led by the advocacy group Citizens Not Politicians, say the amendment will increase transparency and accountability in the redistricting process. Under the current system, the Ohio Redistricting Commission—a body largely composed of state politicians—draws district maps, which critics argue has allowed politicians to protect their interests at the expense of voter equity. Recent maps drawn by the commission were rejected multiple times by the Ohio Supreme Court for being unconstitutionally gerrymandered, prompting further calls for reform.
If Issue One passes, the new commission would start drawing district maps in 2026, with the goal of having fair and impartial districts ready for the 2028 elections. The amendment also requires the commission to operate openly, holding public meetings and making all decisions and discussions accessible to Ohioans.
A “yes” vote on Issue One would enact the citizen-led commission, while a “no” vote would keep the current politician-led redistricting process intact. Opponents argue that the amendment could create an unaccountable body and warn of potential partisan bias from an unelected commission. However, supporters maintain that the measure is a necessary step to prevent political interference in district drawing and to ensure that Ohio voters choose their representatives, not the other way around.
Voters will have their say on the issue in the November election, marking a potential turning point in Ohio’s redistricting landscape and its impact on future elections.
