DeWine opposes redistricting

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has publicly opposed a ballot initiative aimed at ending gerrymandering by replacing the current political redistricting commission with a 15-member citizen panel. He argues that the proposed method, which emphasizes proportional representation based on statewide voting preferences, could lead to extreme gerrymandering and disenfranchise voters. The initiative, backed by the group 'Citizens Not Politicians,' has gathered sufficient signatures to appear on the November ballot, with Secretary of State Frank LaRose confirming its validity. DeWine suggests an alternative approach inspired by Iowa's non-partisan system for drawing district maps, which he believes would be more effective. Critics of the current system argue it has allowed for partisan manipulation to solidify Republican control in Ohio. The debate highlights deep divisions over the best method for ensuring fair representation in the state's political landscape.