congressional redistricting
Even before office move is complete, Ohio Sec. of State LaRose appears to blur ethical lines
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose last week recorded a campaign interview that appeared to take place in the building where he is moving his taxpayer-funded state offices. LaRose didn’t respond to questions, but the backdrop of the interview seemed to preclude the possibility that it was set in any other building. It’s unclear whether […]
Former U.S. attorney general warns of Ohio legislative attempts to cut court power
Some state legislatures are working to diminish the power of courts, imperiling the American system of checks and balances, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder wrote Tuesday. He used Ohio as exhibit A. Holder, attorney general under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2015, warned of an “alarming pattern” in an op-ed published by the […]
Challengers ask Ohio Supreme Court to dismiss congressional redistricting case
The court challengers in a case against Ohio’s U.S. Congressional district map seem to be backing down from the current legal fight. Attorney Don McTigue represents anti-gerrymandering groups fighting against the congressional map approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which was rejected as unconstitutionally gerrymandered in a 2022 decision by a bipartisan majority on the […]
How much a map costs: one law firm accounts for 1/3 of redistricting expenses
As lawmakers consider their next move on redistricting, the overall cost has ballooned to nearly $1.8 million, according to an accounting through April 19 provided by the Legislative Services Commission. The bulk of that expense has been charged to the Legislative Task Force on Redistricting, which has accounted for $983,283 going back to August of […]
LaRose would ‘be fine with’ chief justice’s impeachment over redistricting rulings
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose on Friday said he “certainly wouldn’t oppose it” if the legislature impeached Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor over her joining in rulings rejecting GOP-generated maps for Congress and the legislature, according to a recording of a breakfast meeting with Union County Republicans. LaRose, who is not a […]
Michigan — yes, Michigan — may hold the solution to Ohio’s future redistricting problems
The following article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland. Ohio and Michigan have one of the most famous state rivalries […]
Redistricting groups remain hopeful for congressional balance
Legislators aren’t set to discuss congressional redistricting publicly until at least next week, but anti-gerrymandering groups took the lead in map-drawing, hoping to set an example for the General Assembly. Fair Districts Ohio released a new congressional map they say could easily be used as a model for congressional district maps the Ohio Supreme Court […]
Lawmakers approve candidate filing tweaks amid redistricting uncertainty
Ohio’s primary election, slated for May 3, is right around the corner. But Ohio has a problem. Roughly three months from election day, there’s still no certainty when it comes to boundaries for state or congressional districts. Wednesday, Ohio Senators offered their plan for candidates seeking office. Shortly after Senate passage, the House concurred. The […]
Brennan Center finds widespread gerrymandering in latest round of redistricting
Ohio’s Supreme Court threw out the state’s latest congressional and legislative maps after determining GOP lawmakers used the process to entrench their partisan advantage. A nationwide study from the Brennan Center for Justice suggests they’re far from alone. The think tank’s assessment of redistricting now that about half of states have submitted maps shows that, […]
A look at redistricting litigation around the country
Lawsuits challenging Ohio’s latest political district maps got their day in court earlier this month, and with elections based on those boundaries just a few short months away, the courts have expedited the process. As the judicial process kicks into gear, it’s worth asking — what actually happens if the courts find fault with the […]
Congressional redistricting map sees first lawsuit, others possible
The first of what could be a few lawsuits challenging the Ohio congressional district maps was filed this week on behalf of Ohio voters. The Ohio Supreme Court has received a lawsuit from the National Redistricting Action Fund, on behalf of 12 Ohioans living in the cities of Trotwood, Cleveland Heights, Oxford, Warren and North […]
Ohio House approves congressional maps largely along party lines
The Ohio House has approved new congressional districts that will give Republican candidates a significant electoral advantage for the next four years. The map will only be in place for those two election cycles because not a single Democratic member voted for it. The map now heads for Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk. If DeWine signs […]