Voters First, the group collecting signatures, needs 385,253 valid voter signatures to get the issue before voters this fall.  Secretary of State Jon Husted says the group has only collected less than two thirds of those  signatures statewide. 

The group also needs to collect enough valid signatures from at least 44 Ohio counties, and Husted says so far, the backers for the redistricting change have only met or exceeded that threshold in 34 counties.

Voters First now has 10 more days to make up the difference.  Group spokeswoman Ann Henkener says circulators never quit collecting signatures so her group already has more to submit.  The question is whether they will have enough valid signatures to certify the issue for this fall’s ballot.

The Voters First initiative would establish an independent board to draw congressional and legislative district boundaries, instead of leaving it up to whichever political party controls the Legislature and the state Apportionment Board.