COLUMBUS — The Ohio Supreme Court has rejected newly drawn district maps that retained Republican supermajorities in both state legislative chambers.
A divided court ruled Wednesday the Ohio Redistricting Commission must redraw the boundaries in compliance with a 2015 constitutional amendment within 10 days.
That amendment mandated attempts at avoiding partisan favoritism and at proportionally distributing districts to reflect Ohio’s 54% Republican, 46% Democratic split.
The ruling was a victory for voting-rights and Democratic groups in three lawsuits challenging the lines as unconstitutionally gerrymandered.
Moderate Republican Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor provided a pivotal swing vote, joining the court’s three Democrats
Gov. Mike DeWine released the following statement on the court's decision:
“Throughout this process, I expected that Ohio’s legislative maps would be litigated and that the Ohio Supreme Court would make a decision on their constitutionality. I will work with my fellow Redistricting Commission members on revised maps that are consistent with the Court’s order.”
Additional reporting from News 5 has been added to this Associated Press article.
