The state of Ohio sends 16 representatives to the U.S. Congress. Four of them are Democrats, and 12 are Republicans. All of these members of Congress have one thing in common: they easily won re-election in 2016. Ohio congressional Democrats won their elections by a combined 42.8 points, and the Ohio Republicans won by a combined 34 points.
It’s become quite clear that Ohio congress members don’t have competitive races. This is problematic as the representatives have less incentive to appeal to both liberal and conservative constituents. Members of both parties only have to appeal to the side of the aisle they sit on, leaving portions of constituents’ views unrepresented.
This problem is decades in the making. The most recent redistricting of Ohio was implemented in 2012. Republican control of the House, Senate, and governor’s office allowed them to draw a map favoring members of their party. It’s no coincidence that Republicans now hold a 12-4 advantage over Democratic representatives from Ohio.
The current map stays in effect until the 2020 Census data is released, the redistricting process will occur by 2022. Gerrymandering at the state level suggests Republicans will maintain control through then.
Republicans hold a large majority in both the state Senate and the Ohio House, and it’s unlikely they will draw fair districts in 2022. If democrats were in control of the state legislature and drew districts in favor of representatives from their own party, it would be just as bad. Without making our redistricting process bipartisan or independent, this problem will never be fixed.
Gerrymandering has gotten out of hand in Ohio and several other states across the country. The partisan redrawing of districts is not only unfair, but it’s antithesis to our republic and our democratic principles.
Alex Jackson is a freshman studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What district do you live in? Let Alex know by tweeting him @alexjackson716.
