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Leaders of the campaign to reform redistricting in Ohio, known as Citizens Not Politicians (CNP), are gearing up for a third try after two failed amendments in 2015 and 2018. They argue that while drawing districts may seem complicated, ending gerrymandering isn’t: “Political insiders have no business being in the process.”
Understanding the CNP Amendment and Its Importance
The CNP Amendment is a citizen-led initiative aimed at ending gerrymandering in Ohio. It prohibits lobbyists and politicians from influencing the redistricting process and establishes the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission. This commission empowers citizens to draw fair districts using an open and transparent process.
Ohio faces significant gerrymandering issues, with districts drawn to favor political interests over community needs. The current redistricting process has been marred by inefficiency, with maps being ruled unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court seven times, costing taxpayers millions of dollars without resulting in fair districts.
A new process is needed to remove the power to draw district lines from self-interested politicians.
Understanding Redistricting
Redistricting, also known as political redistricting, is adjusting the boundaries of electoral districts within a jurisdiction to ensure equal representation. It aims to prevent any group or party from gaining an unfair advantage in elections through gerrymandering.
Understanding Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to unfairly benefit one political party or group. It can involve concentrating or diluting the voting power of certain groups to influence election outcomes. Partisan gerrymandering aims to give one party an advantage, while racial gerrymandering targets minority communities.
Gerrymandering undermines fair representation and distorts the democratic process, leading to political polarization and reduced accountability.
How to Get Involved
Citizens can get involved by signing petitions at various events across NorthEast Ohio:
Walnut Wednesday
Date: Every Wednesday
Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Perk Plaza, 1717 E. 12th St, Cleveland, 44114
Tri-C Metro Campus
Date: Thursday, May 2
Time: 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Tri-C Metro Campus Central Building (inside), 2900 Community College Ave, Cleveland, 44115
Screw Factory Spring Art Show
Date: Friday, May 3
Time: 5:45 p.m. – 8 p.m. EDT
Location: Screw Factory Spring Art Show, 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, 44107
Pop Life Building Waterloo Vegan Market Bakery Bash
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: noon – 3 p.m . EDT
Location: Pop Life Building Waterloo Vegan Market Bakery Bash (inside),
5619 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, 44110
Agora Theater
Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Agora Theater, 5000 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44103
Citizens can help push for fair and impartial redistricting in Ohio by engaging in the process.
Sources: Ohio Capital Journal, Ohio Redistricting The Sequel
