Community members rally at Statehouse for fair congressional maps

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Community members protested at the statehouse today for “Fair Maps Day” as advocates were calling on lawmakers to draw a fair congressional map.  

Hundreds of people gathered at the statehouse today, voicing their desire for a transparent process as lawmakers are set to redraw those maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.   

“We oppose gerrymandering when it's done by republicans and democrats,” said Jen Miller, executive director, League of Women Voters of Ohio. “We're asking every Ohioan to recognize that the gerrymandering in this state is severe and it's harming every single one of us. And we're asking everyone to join this movement for fair maps, for fair districts, which ultimately means fair elections.” 

Ohio lawmakers are constitutionally required to redraw congressional maps this year, determining who will represent Ohioans in Washington, D.C. One of three major deadlines is approaching to pass a new map at the end of the month. Mia Lewis, associate director of Common Cause Ohio, shared what fair maps would look like to her.   

“You have more competitive districts, and you have a split between the two major parties that more and more closely represent how people vote in statewide elections,” Lewis said. “So, we're, you know, roughly 45, 55% democrat, republican. So that's how the seats in Congress should be distributed.” 

In a statement to NBC4 regarding today's demonstration, the director of communications for the Ohio Senate majority, John Fortney, said in part, "They’re simply political operatives whose only interest in fairness is for their friends and fundraisers on the progressive left.” 

Organizers say they will continue fighting for their voices to be heard and are still hopeful as they try to get more voters to engage in this process.   

“Democracy is a participatory sport,” Miller said. “We all need to lean in; this should be for and by the people. And so that's why this is a time when all of us should set aside political divides, come together and make sure that government is working for us.” 

The current deadline for the Ohio legislature to pass a new congressional map is September 30th.