Common Cause Ohio

Independent mapmakers using a new process for drawing maps say they are making progress

The Ohio Redistricting Commission held hearings Wednesday on proposed congressional district maps for the first time since the plan adopted by the General Assembly was rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court.

State lawmakers have just over a week to redraw a new congressional district map after the previous plan was ruled unconstitutional.

Lawyers for the Ohio Redistricting Commission say in a filing with the Ohio Supreme Court that the newly-approved maps should be put into place even if there's no decision.

Opponents have until Tuesday to file objections to the new maps, which have been approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission on a party line vote over the weekend.

The Ohio Supreme Court's ruling says the new maps for Ohio House and Senate districts are due on Saturday.

In the ruling striking down Ohio's new legislative maps, Republican Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor wrote that Ohioans "have the power to again amend the Ohio Constitution."

The joint committee is the latest step toward reaching a deal before the next constitutional deadline.

The task of drawing a new Congressional district map will go back to the Ohio House and Senate.

They say the commission must follow new reforms in order to avoid gerrymandering.