In a recent decision, the Ohio Supreme Court has largely approved the ballot summary language for November's Issue 1 anti-gerrymandering amendment. However, the court has sent the language back to the Ohio Ballot Board for two small revisions. The approval comes amidst a heated debate between anti-gerrymandering advocates and a Republican majority on the court.

The Republican majority, voting 4-3, rejected six of the eight revisions requested by the advocates, drawing criticism from the Democratic justices who argued for a complete redrafting of the summary. The summary, drafted by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who opposes the amendment, had previously been approved by a narrow 3-2 vote by the Ohio Ballot Board, which is chaired by LaRose.

While the court has allowed most of the summary language, it has ordered the board to include specific wording that accurately conveys the public's right to express themselves to the new redistricting commission under the proposed amendment. The court's decision also compels the ballot board to clarify that judicial review of the amendment is not limited to a "proportionality standard."

The proposed anti-gerrymandering amendment seeks to replace the current Ohio Redistricting Commission, which includes politicians, with the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission consisting of 15 citizen members. This includes five Republican citizens, five Democratic citizens, and five independents. The amendment aims to ensure fair and nonpartisan redistricting.

The court's decision does not affect the text of the proposed redistricting reform but only pertains to the summary language used on the voter ballots. It is important to note that Ohio voters experienced unconstitutionally gerrymandered districts in the 2022 elections, prompting the need for redistricting reform.

The court's ruling has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the anti-gerrymandering amendment, represented by Citizens Not Politicians, expressed dissatisfaction with the limited revisions but acknowledged the court's repudiation of the ballot board's violation of the Ohio Constitution. In contrast, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose welcomed the decision as a win for voters, emphasizing the need for an honest explanation of the amendment.

While the court's approval of the summary language means it will appear on the ballots in the November general election, the actual language of the amendment will be posted in polling places to provide voters with the necessary information.

The Ohio Ballot Board is set to make the required revisions on Wednesday morning, as directed by the court. The decision reflects the ongoing fight for fair redistricting and the Ohio Supreme Court's role in upholding the integrity of the state's electoral process.

(Note: This article is a summary of information provided by Susan Tebben in the Ohio Capital Journal