Imagine this: you’re working hard on your shift, giving it your all to earn a performance bonus. But just before the hour ends, your manager changes the rules. Now, only a few favored employees have a real shot at winning. Doesn’t seem fair, right?

This is exactly what’s happening with gerrymandering in Ohio. Politicians are manipulating the boundaries of voting districts to stack the deck in their favor. This leads to almost guaranteed re-elections for incumbents, which means our votes and voices don’t matter as much as they should.

The Problem with the Current System

Under the current system, partisan politicians and special interest groups have way too much influence over the redistricting process. They create “safe districts” where incumbents are pretty much guaranteed re-election, no matter how well they perform or how much they listen to voter needs. As a result, the political class is becoming more and more disconnected from the concerns of everyday working Americans like us.

The consequences of this system are far-reaching and devastating. it has made it easier for politicians to suppress votes and limit electoral participation, especially in marginalized communities. It has also contributed to the erosion of workers’ rights, as politicians beholden to corporate interests prioritize the needs of big business over those of labor.

A New Approach: Citizens, Not Politicians

We have an opportunity this November to level the playing field and get fair districts once and for all in Ohio.

The Citizens Not Politicians Amendment, once passed, will establish a bipartisan Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission. Made up of 15 members (Democrats, Republicans and Independents), the Commission will give regular folks like you and me the authority to draw fair districts.

Vote for Citizens, Not Politicians on November 5

If passed, the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment would establish:

• An Independent Commission: People like us will be in charge of Ohio’s maps, not politicians, lobbyists or political party officials.
• Fair and Impartial Districts: The amendment will level the playing field and ensure fair representation for all Ohioans.
• An Open and Transparent Process: Voters will always be kept in the loop. No more hidden agendas or backroom deals.

What Gerrymandering in Ohio Looks Like

Let’s say we have 50 voters in Ohio, and we need to divide them into five voting. Districts. If 60% of voters are Green and 40% are Purple, fair districts would reflect that. But when gerrymandering is allowed, the people who draw the maps are able to manipulate voters in their favor. See what happens when our 50 voters are divided in different ways:

Join the Fight for Fairness

Redistricting reform is a crucial step towards taking back our democracy for the people. Just like how our union gives us a voice at work, fair districts will give us a voice in government. By creating a system that prioritizes the needs of workers and communities over those of wealthy donors and corporate lobbyists, we can begin to address the deep inequalities in our society.

We must also recognize that redistricting reform is not an end in itself, but rather a crucial step towards reclaiming our democrat for the people. It must be accompanied by broader efforts to address issues of voter suppression, campaign finance reform and worker empowerment.

So, let’s get real: redistricting reform isn’t about siding with Democrats or Republicans; it’s about taking back our democracy from the forces of corruption. It’s about creating a system that actually represents the people, rather than the interests of rich donors and corporate lobbyists.

Union Strong: End Gerrymandering in Ohio

We need your support to restore power to where it belongs: with the voters.

By supporting the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment on November 5, you are taking a stand against gerrymandering in Ohio and ensuring a fair, democratic process for choosing our representatives.

Get the facts, spread the word and join us in this crucial fight for a better Ohio. We can ensure that voters, not politicians, have the final say in our democracy.

Visit UnionStrongOhio.com to join the fight!

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2024 print edition of The Voice.