Federal Court Rules Ohio’s Congressional Map Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON D.C. — (05-03-19) — A panel of three federal judges struck down Ohio’s congressional map on Friday, ruling that the GOP drew districts so severely to benefit Republicans, that they violated the U.S. Constitution.

This follows the April 24, 2019 decision by a federal court who unanimously struck down legislative maps drawn by Michigan Republicans. The Michigan GOP intentionally discriminated against Democrats, the judges found.

Democratic voters from each of Ohio’s 16 districts, as well as two non-partisan organizations and three Democratic political organizations, filed a lawsuit challenging the state map drawn by a Republican controlled legislature in 2011. They first utilized the blatant gerrymandered map in 2012.

The Michigan GOP are now appealing the ruling to the Conservative stacked U.S. Supreme Court in hopes that they will back their obviously blatant attempt at cheating Ohio voters.

The Federal court blocked the state from using its current map in any future elections. It gave lawmakers until June 14 to come up with a new one.

For the second time in less than a month, Federal judges have ruled that Ohio must use a new Congressional map in 2020, and it is giving the state until June 14 to enact a remedial plan. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two partisan gerrymandering cases last month and is expected to issue rulings on them by the end of June.

Republicans controlled the redistricting process back in 2011 and drew district lines that gave them a 12-4 electoral advantage in the state’s congressional delegation. They have maintained that advantage ever since.

We will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they become available.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer