As Introduced

135th General Assembly

Regular Session H. R. No. 584

2023-2024

Representatives Russo, Upchurch

Cosponsors: Representatives Jarrells, Humphrey, Mohamed, Piccolantonio, Brown, Miller, A., Liston, Abdullahi, Somani, Skindell, Brennan, Dell'Aquila, Sweeney, Brewer, Robinson, Brent, Troy, Isaacsohn, Thomas, C., Denson, Baker, Whitted, Sims, Weinstein, Grim, Rogers, Miller, J., McNally, Blackshear

A R E S O L U T I O N

To express the Ohio House of Representatives' support for the Citizens Not Politicians—Citizens Redistricting Commission Initiative, which would transfer the power of drawing legislative and congressional maps from politicians and lobbyists to the citizens of Ohio; to address the problems, risks, and political extremism of politician-led gerrymandering that undermines fair representation; and to encourage Ohioans to support the measure for a freer, more democratic state.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

WHEREAS, The drawing of legislative and congressional maps, or the redistricting process, has historically been controlled by politicians and lobbyists, leading to districts that serve political interests rather than the people of Ohio; and

WHEREAS, Extreme gerrymandering prevents Ohioans from having the fair representation they deserve, allowing politicians to manipulate and rig district boundaries to secure their own power and diminish the influence of individual voters; and

WHEREAS, Rigged districts distort our democracy, making it more difficult for voters to hold their elected officials accountable and reducing the overall impact of each citizen's vote; and

WHEREAS, Gerrymandering takes power away from the people of Ohio, allowing representatives to choose their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives, thereby undermining the foundational principles of free and fair elections that produce democratic governance; and

WHEREAS, The Citizens Redistricting Commission Initiative proposes a more transparent and fair process by placing the responsibility of redistricting in the hands of an independent commission composed of Ohio citizens, rather than politicians and lobbyists; and

WHEREAS, The Citizens Redistricting Commission Initiative seeks to create legislative and congressional maps that reflect the true will of the people, ensuring that every Ohioan's vote carries equal weight in determining their representation; and

WHEREAS, Empowering citizens to be a part of the redistricting process will strengthen Ohio's democracy, enhance the integrity of our elections, and restore trust in our political system; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 135th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, conclude that the Citizens Not Politicians—Citizens Redistricting Commission Initiative serves the best interests of the people of Ohio, will bring fairness and transparency to the redistricting process, and will protect the fundamental right of Ohioans to have a meaningful and impactful vote; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 135th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, urge the people of the State of Ohio to support the Citizens Not Politicians—Citizens Redistricting Commission Initiative, thereby ensuring fair representation, preserving the health of our democracy, and empowering all citizens to have a voice in the governance of our state; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the Governor and to the news media of Ohio.