 Together, we are slaying the gerrymander. Due to your hard work we now have over 188,000 valid signatures with 27 counties over the 5 percent threshold. Counties that reached the threshold since December 12: Ashland, Geauga, Hardin, Knox, Morrow, Muskingum, Union, Warren and Wyandot. We need more than 305,000 valid signatures. Please keep collecting in all counties and please keep getting those petitions in.
Winter Wonderland: With the weather getting colder and winter beginning in earnest, we must shift our collection strategy, but there are still plenty of opportunities to interact with more voters. Make sure you are bundling up and staying warm.
Fair Districts & Redistricting Reform in the News: Editorials Week of December 17: Cleveland Plain Dealer, Ohio Redistricting Reform Can Work - If the Rules Are Tight Akron Beacon Journal/Ohio.com, Redistricting Repair Faces a Deadline Week of December 24: Dayton Daily News, Ohio Voters May Change Way Congress Lines Are Drawn WOSU, Ohio Joins Wave of States Trying to Erase Gerrymandering Week of December 17: WOSU, 'Gerrymandering Is Really Bullying': Inside Ohio's Attempt to Reform Redistricting WKSU, Ohio Is at the Center of a National Debate over Drawing Political Lines WKSU, Ohio Voters May See Two Anti-Gerrymandering Issues on Their Ballots Next Year WKSU, How Did Ohio's Most Liberal City End Up with Its Most Conservative Congressman? Cleveland.com, No Ohio Gerrymandering Fix Yet and No Details on Progress- Out of Line: 2017 and Beyond WKSU, Snakes, Ducks and Toilet Bowls: How Does Ohio Shape Its Congressional Districts? WKSU, Summit County Has Four Congressional Districts but Not a Member of Congress to Call Its Own Please donate online or mail a check to Fair Congressional Districts for Ohio, c/o League of Women Voters of Ohio, 100 E. Broad St., Suite 1310, Columbus, OH 43215. 2017 was a rough year but seeing so many people committed to working to create a more functional and healthy democracy continues to be truly inspiring. More than 2,700 people have turned in petitions. In 2018, we are going to end gerrymandering. Have a Happy New Year from Fair Districts Team!
1 Comment
 Redistricting reformer Linda Magoto lives in Upper Arlington and helped design a T-shirt that asks the obvious question "What's wrong with this picture?" Why did you choose “What's wrong with this picture?” As a concerned voter, I want everyone to know how ridiculous our district lines have become. I wear my shirt to attract attention when I am out in front of public places to gather signatures. I encouraged many people to do the same. It sounds like you care a lot about congressional redistricting reform?
YES!! I am passionate about getting this issue on the ballot for 2018. We must act now. Whether Republican or Democrat, it is the right thing to do. We want our representatives to listen to us. I am tired of my representatives not listening to the voters. Frankly, they don't need to listen anymore. Their seats are secure because the district lines have been drawn to give them complete job security. That goes for both parties. The lines are drawn to benefit the party in the majority. Our voice is totally lost unless we pass a law that requires the following: 1) A new fair process to draw Ohio congressional districts 2) Bipartisan redistricting commission 3) A halt to the secrecy of drawing the district lines 4) Finally, stop the craziness that our current district lines display. WE NEED COMPACT FAIR DISTRICTS! Our district lines are so unfair that it is difficult to get someone to run in opposition to the current official because the deck is stacked so unfairly. Do you have any recommendations for people who want to help get signatures to place Fair Districts on the ballot? Taking a buddy with you makes for a more enjoyable experience, but at times it is not possible. Don't be afraid to go it alone. Currently, I am focusing on local Post Offices, senior centers and retirement homes. I am also connecting with friends in different areas of the state and putting them in touch with someone collecting signatures in their area. Fairdistrictsohio.org gives me all the current information that I need. IT'S TIME TO COLLECT SIGNATURES! Do you know a redistricting reformer that we should highlight? Please send an email to ohiofairdistricts@gmail.com. |