The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Aug. 22, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is again under fire, this time for attempting to undercut a citizen-run redistricting commission ballot initiative which threatens to undo politician-drawn gerrymandered maps. Initiative organizers challenged the action in the Ohio Supreme Court August 19th.
Citizens Not Politicians submitted a ballot description of the constitutional amendment after Issue 1’s certification in July. But the notoriously partisan LaRose and his staff rewrote the description. Organizers said it, QUOTE, “may be the most biased, inaccurate, deceptive and unconstitutional ballot language ever adopted by the Ohio Ballot Board.”
The measure proposes a 15-member citizen commission of Republicans, Democrats and independents, none of whom can be current or former politicians or lobbyists. It also forbids redistricting for partisan advantage – gerrymandering – and requires a fully transparent process. The new initiative was proposed after multiple gerrymandered maps by legislators resulted in years of litigation.
Among several misleading statements, the secretary of state’s description says it will “Establish a new taxpayer-funded commission of appointees required to gerrymander the boundaries of the state legislative and congressional districts.” UNQUOTE. The Ohio Constitution clearly states that descriptions for ballot measures be “true and impartial.”
With election deadlines only weeks away, Citizens Not Politicians has asked for an immediate judgment. We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Citizens No Politicians – Proposed Description and Full Text as Submitted
Ohio Secretary of State – Rewritten Description of Issue One
Ohio Supreme Court – Citizens Not Politicians v. LaRose
Ohio Capital Journal – Anti-gerrymandering amendment supporters sue Ohio Ballot Board over ballot language
Citizens Not Politicians – Citizens Not Politicians Sues LaRose and Ballot Board to Ensure Accurate Ballot Language for Issue 1
Groups Taking Action:
Check Your Voter Registration
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
- USA Vote Foundation – Registration, Eligibility, State Election Office Links
- Vote.Gov – Register to Vote in Your State
- Vote.Org – Check Your Registration to Vote
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