Regional Chamber Backs Redistricting Reform Issue

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s board of directors announced its support Tuesday for a congressional redistricting reform issue on the May 8 primary ballot.

If approved by Ohio voters, Issue 1 would create a more bi-partisan, public process for redrawing U.S. Congressional districts by requiring minority party support prior to the Ohio General Assembly approving new boundaries, according to a Regional Chamber news release. Issue 1 would also include rules that limit the legislature’s ability to divide counties, municipalities and townships.

The chamber based its support for the ballot issue on the recommendation of its Government Affairs Council.

The proposal received bi-partisan support in the General Assembly, which passed the resolution necessary for it to be placed as a constitutional amendment on next week’s ballot. If approved by voters, the rules would take effect for the next redistricting process in 2021, which will be based on the 2020 census. Ohio is expected to lose at least one congressional seat as a result of the census.

“This plan is the result of meaningful, bipartisan cooperation that will reform Ohio’s gerrymandering,” said Guy Coviello, vice president of government affairs for the chamber.

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