Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released apportionment data from the 2020 Census that determines how seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are divided among the states. As expected, Ohio will lose one congressional seat due to population changes across the country.

“Despite unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic, disinformation, and political interference, Ohioans came together to be counted in the 2020 Census,” said Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio. “While the apportionment data released today is not the same as the redistricting data that will be released in a few months, this is the official redistricting kickoff. Fair Districts Ohio is committed to working with every lawmaker, community, and voter, from Cleveland to Cincinnati, from Toledo to Athens, to make sure our upcoming redistricting process is fair and transparent.”

“Ohio now must draw these 15 Congressional districts through a fair, transparent, and collaborative process,” said Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio. “While we must wait for the full decennial census data to make the final maps, we must not wait to start the process. Ohio mapmakers should begin hosting public hearings for experts and everyday Ohioans to address the new voter-approved map-making reforms passed in 2015 and 2018, as well as best practices for creating fair maps for all Ohioans.”

Fair Districts Ohio is led by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and the Common Cause Ohio. Together, our coalition worked to pass the state legislative and congressional redistricting reforms overwhelmingly approved by Ohio voters. Our coalition includes ACLU Ohio, the Ohio Council of Churches, the A. Philip Randolf Institute, and the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition.  

Click here for the April 5th letter to the mapmakers encouraging planning, the creation of a sensible timeline, and public input into redistricting planning.