Redistricting in 2025 | Fair Districts Ohio

Why is Ohio redistricting in 2025?

The Ohio Constitution requires it*: Ohio law says if district maps are passed without bipartisan agreement from the 7-member Ohio Redistricting Commission, they must be redrawn mid-decade. Here, bipartisan means 4 of the 7 Commissioners must vote in favor of the maps, including 2 members of the Republican Party and 2 members of the Democratic Party.

In 2o21, the maps drawn by the Commission, then made up of 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats, did not receive any support from the Democrats. That triggered the 2025 cycle. (Learn more about the very, very, very bad 2021-22 redistricting here and here.)

How does the mapmaking process start?

It starts in the Ohio General Assembly: The Ohio House and the Ohio Senate must pass a 6-year map with a 60% majority of all members of both chambers and 50% of all Republicans and all Democrats (by September 30).

What happens if the Ohio General Assembly can't pass the map?

The Ohio Redistricting Commission steps in: The Commission— again 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats— must agree to the new maps by a 4/7 vote, including 2 members of the Republican Party and 2 members of the Democratic Party (by October 31).

What happens if the Ohio Redistricting Commission can't pass the map?

The maps go back to the Ohio General Assembly: The legislature is again required to pass maps the 60% supermajority and with 50% of members from both parties. If the maps pass only with a simple majority, the districts have additional constitutional requirements and must be replaced after 6 years (by November 30).

2025 Redistricting Timeline