Current:Home > MyOhio attorney general rejects language for political mapmaking reform amendment for a second time -Streamline Finance
Ohio attorney general rejects language for political mapmaking reform amendment for a second time
View
Date:2025-04-17 21:04:38
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office again rejected petition language Thursday for a constitutional amendment aimed at remaking the state’s troubled system for drawing political maps, frustrating the effort’s backers.
In his rejection letter, Republican Dave Yost said Citizens Not Politicians’ second submission had one “critical omission”: How party affiliation would be determined under the new system.
He said because a key feature of the new citizen-led redistricting commission would be political balance, “how political affiliation is determined, who makes those determinations and what rules apply are critical issues that must be included in a summary of the proposed amendment if it is to be fair and truthful.”
The group, which includes two former Ohio Supreme Court justices, aims to place the proposal on next year’s fall ballot. A spokesman said they will collect more signatures and keep trying.
“We are disappointed and frustrated that the Attorney General has chosen to reject our petition summary for a second time,” a statement said. “We adjusted our summary language as the Attorney General requested on the first submission, and we know our summary language was accurate.”
The back-and-forth is taking place as Ohio’s existing redistricting process has been stymied by political infighting.
Late Thursday, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine canceled a meeting of the Ohio Redistricting Commission because GOP legislative leaders had not yet been able to agree on who to appoint as their party’s co-chair.
Democrats on the panel say they are ready to name their co-chair appointee and simply are waiting for Republicans to work out their differences.
The ballot proposal would call for replacing that commission, which currently comprises three statewide officeholders and four state lawmakers, with an independent body selected directly by citizens.
The effort follows the repeated failure under the existing structure to produce constitutional maps. Courts rejected two congressional maps and five sets of Statehouse maps as gerrymandered. Amid the court disputes, Ohio’s elections were allowed to proceed last year under the flawed maps.
A 15-member citizen panel of Republicans, Democrats and independents representing a geographic and demographic cross-section of the state, called the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission, would take over the process under the proposed amendment.
The two former Supreme Court justices who are part of Citizens Not Politicians are retired Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, a Republican; and Yvette McGee-Brown, a Democrat. While still on the court, O’Connor cast repeated swing votes to rule that the maps unconstitutionally benefited Republicans, siding with the three Democrats.
veryGood! (13)
Related
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Alexa Chung Joins Joe Alwyn for Wimbledon Outing in London
- Iranian court orders US to pay $6.7 billion after sanctions allegedly stopped special bandage supply
- Gun and ammunition evidence is the focus as Alec Baldwin trial starts second day
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Joe Biden has everyone worried. Let’s talk about aging, for real.
- ‘Wrexham’ owner, Phillies fanatic McElhenney enjoys ties to baseball’s top team this season
- ABTCOIN Trading Center: The Significance of Cryptocurrency Cross-Border Payments
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Chase Daniel, ex-NFL QB: Joe Burrow angered every player with 18-game schedule remark
Ranking
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- West Virginia police chief responsible for hiring of officer who killed Tamir Rice steps down
- Bonds have been sinking. Do they still have a place in your retirement account?
- Kris Jenner Undergoes Hysterectomy After Ovary Tumor Diagnosis
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- We asked, you answered: Here are America's favorite french fries
- Higher costs and low base fares send Delta’s profit down 29%. The airline still earned $1.31 billion
- England vs. Netherlands highlights: Ollie Watkins goal at the death sets up Euro 2024 final
Recommendation
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
US Coast Guard patrol spots Chinese naval ships off Alaska island
Celebs at Wimbledon 2024: See Queen Camilla, Dave Grohl, Lena Dunham and more
Cillian Miller's Journey in Investment and Business
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Rep. Bob Good files for recount in Virginia GOP congressional primary
NATO nations agree Ukraine is on irreversible path to membership
Sen. Bob Menendez bribery case one step closer to jury deliberations as closing arguments wrap up