COLUMBUS, Ohio — It's back to the drawing board for the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which began work for a fourth time on new state legislative district maps. 

It was three days since the Ohio Supreme Court rejected the state legislative district maps most recently adopted by the Ohio Redistricting Commission.

The commission met Saturday afternoon to brainstorm how to re-draw maps that meet the Court’s orders. 

Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, began the meeting by offering three options. He first suggested having the existing Democratic and Republican mapmakers work together at the Statehouse on new maps. He also suggested hiring an independent, bipartisan mapmaker or mediator. 

Co-Chair of the Commission, Sen. Vernon Sykes, D-Akron, suggested doing all three. 

“We had one major goal today, to make sure we outline a plan of strategy for complying with the court order,” said Sykes. 

After approximately an hour and a half, the commission took a recess. Once reconvened, it decided the first step would be for mapmakers on both sides to meet at the Statehouse to begin work, and then decide if they need help from an independent mapmaker, or a mediator or both.

DeWine said he is happy with the plan to move forward.

“Two Republican and two Democratic staff members to start work was good,” said DeWine. “That’s one of the things I wanted to come out of here with, have them start working.” 

As for if he thinks the commission will meet its March 26 deadline, he’s not sure. 

“I don’t know,” said DeWine. “This whole thing is new this year. Whether this is feasible or not, I don’t think anyone knows yet. We are hopeful.” 

On the other side, Sykes is confident the commission will adopt new maps that meet requirements. 

“I think we’re well on our way to doing that,” said Sykes. 

The commission is tentatively scheduled to meet Sunday at 7 p.m. They also discussed meeting Monday at 7 p.m. and Tuesday at 9 a.m.

It is the first time during the process the commission has scheduled that many meetings ahead of its deadline.​