OH Legislative Maps Ruled Unconstitutional A 3rd Time

COLUMBUS, OH — For the third time, the Ohio Supreme Court deemed proposed legislative districts unconstitutional, throwing plans for a May primary into chaos.

The state's Redistricting Commission, which is controlled by Ohio Republicans, has proposed three maps redrawing legislative districts throughout the Buckeye State. Each proposal was deemed unconstitutional due to its failure to meet new anti-gerrymandering requirements passed by Ohio voters.

The Court ruled 4-3 against the maps. The majority said the maps displayed favoritism toward Republicans, while handing Democrats a number of "toss-up" districts, the Ohio Capital Journal reported.

The latest rejected maps were accepted by the Commission on Feb. 28. The Commission was ordered to draw new maps by March 28 and to conduct the map-making process in public. Secretary of State Frank LaRose previously warned both the Court and the Commission that more delays to redistricting could lead to a postponement of the scheduled May primary.

It is now unclear how this latest delay to redistricting will play out in Ohio.

However, state Rep. Allison Russo, a Democrat and House Minority Leader, celebrated the Court's decision, calling it a victory for the people of Ohio.

"Democrats have a state legislative map proposal ready to go that is fair, constitutional, and closely reflects the statewide voting preferences of Ohioans. Now, it is up to the Republican Commissioners to work with us to adopt the fair maps Ohioans deserve," she said in a statement.