Columbus, Ohio - The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund proudly endorsed Issue 1, the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment today.
Ohio is one of the nation’s most gerrymandered states, and it’s no surprise that the politicians and lobbyists involved want to keep it that way. Issue 1 will eliminate the state’s politician-dominated commission from drawing state and federal legislative districts by establishing a 15-member Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission formed of citizens, not politicians.
For years, the Ohio Environmental Council and the OEC Action Fund have supported redistricting reform aimed at rejecting partisan gerrymandering. Gerrymandered maps have created an environment where our legislators often fail to respond to Ohio voters’ views on pressing issues like renewable energy and the fight against climate change.
To learn more about the Ohio Environmental Council’s approach to redistricting, check out our work featured by the Brennan Center for Justice, Yale Climate Connections, and Inside Climate News.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Spencer Dirrig, Director of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“The OEC Action Fund proudly endorses Issue 1 and encourages all Ohioans to ban gerrymandering by voting yes on the Citizens Not Politicians amendment this fall.
“Ohio is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. For too long, politicians have rigged Ohio’s electoral maps to preserve political power and silence the voice of our communities. As a result, lawmakers fail to make progress on Ohio’s most pressing environmental issues — from addressing the climate crisis to ensuring clean air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. Furthermore, gerrymandering perpetuates environmental injustices that harm our communities. Together, we can create a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment — that starts by passing Issue 1 this fall.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies. More at www.theoecactionfund.org.
