COLUMBUS, Ohio — Republicans on the commission tasked with drawing the lines for Ohio’s House and Senate districts released their proposed maps Thursday morning. 

The maps were formally introduced by State Sen. Matt Huffman. A spokesperson for Ohio’s Senate Republicans called the maps “a constitutional and compliant district map proposal.”

The commission has held a series of statewide meetings to seek input on district boundaries. Following Thursday’s release, four additional public meetings are scheduled. The deadline for the commission to submit a proposed map is Sept. 15. 

The redrawing of districts occurs every 10 years following the release of the census.

In 2015, 72% of Ohio voters passed a new process that sought to eliminate political gerrymandering in state legislative districts.

If at least two members of each party from the seven-member panel agree to the proposed districts, the boundaries will be put in place for 10 years. However, if the proposed districts only receive a simple majority of the seven-member panel without at least two members of the minority party agreeing, the districts are only in place for four years.

The panel is instructed not to unduly divide counties, towns and cities into multiple districts. The panel is also instructed not to favor one party in the drawing process.

State Sen. Vernon Sykes, one of two Democrats on the panel, released his proposed map earlier this month. 

“Our maps adhere to the spirit of the constitutional reforms to Ohio’s redistricting process that voters overwhelmingly approved,” Sykes said. “Most importantly, they keep communities together and help ensure representational fairness by taking voters’ preferences into consideration. I look forward to receiving input from the Commission and members of the public as we work together to create fair districts for our state.”

It’s unknown if the new process will lead to more competitive districts. The overwhelming majority of Ohio House and Senate races were decided by double-digit margins in 2020..