COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court, by a decision of 4-3, rejected the third set of legislative maps Wednesday adopted by the Ohio Redistricting Commission.
Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor sided with the three Democrats in saying not only were the maps passed late but the Republican commissioners did so in contradiction to what the court asked them to do. Republicans on the commission said the maps favored them in 54% of Ohio House and Senate districts, which lines up with how Ohioans have voted over the last 10 years.
The court calls out Senate President Matt Huffman for basically not understanding the assignment. @SpectrumNews1OH pic.twitter.com/25xJQL977z
— Josh Rultenberg (@JoshRultNews) March 17, 2022
The plaintiffs and Democrats argued there are 26 Democratic-leaning districts, that tilt their way by three points of less, and no Republican competitive districts.
The court agreed, saying 54% for Republicans was on the floor and 46% for Democrats was the ceiling.
The court ordered the commission to get back together and draw new general assembly maps to be filed with the Secretary of State's Office by Monday, March 28 and the court by Tuesday, March 29 at 9 a.m.
Justices also want the commission to "retain an independent map drawer—who answers to all commission members, not only to the Republican legislative leaders—to draft a plan through a transparent process."