Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Inc.

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio (FOP) today endorsed State Issue 1, which would create a bipartisan redistricting commission. Voters will decide the ballot issue this November.

Issue 1 would have two effects on how district lines are drawn in Ohio. First, it would create a larger commission – seven members – and would increase participation by the party in the minority at the time of redistricting. Second, it would put into effect measures behind simply population that would have the effect of ensuring more competitive races.

Ohio FOP President Jay McDonald said that the issue means better accountability for Ohio residents.

“Issue 1 would create a truly bipartisan effort to draw district lines,” McDonald said. “The system would hold our elected officials more accountable for their actions while in office knowing that their district is no longer drawn leaning in the direction of one political party.”

The commission would be required to have at least two votes from the minority party for the lines to go into effect for 10 years. If the commission adopts districts along party lines, the map would only be good for four years.

“By increasing minority party involvement and requiring their support for 10-year lines we will truly remove partisan politics from the equation,” McDonald continued. “Police officers support good government and State Issue 1 will advance that goal.”

If adopted, Issue 1 would go into effect in 2021, which is the next opportunity for redistricting.