Issue 1 would establish a non-elected commission for redistricting

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 15, 2024) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Ohio’s leading small business advocacy organization, opposes Issue 1 on Ohio’s ballot this November. Issue 1 concerns a redistricting proposal that would change how legislative maps are drawn.

“Issue 1 establishes a non-elected, 15-member commission that has no accountability to voters as its members are only subject to removal by their fellow commissioners,” said Chris Ferruso, NFIB Ohio State Director. “Ohio’s small business owners overwhelmingly believe that a no vote on Issue 1 will keep accountability in place.”

Ohioans strongly supported the current redistricting process through two separate constitutional amendments and have twice rejected citizen only redistricting commissions. The current redistricting process includes elected officials who were duly elected by the people of Ohio. Issue 1 eliminates this important check, stripping power from Ohio voters.