Rep. Jarrells: I'm Voting Yes on Issue 1 to Empower Disenfranchised Communities, Bring Diverse Voices to the Statehouse

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement in response to a news conference held Tuesday at the Statehouse by State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) and attended by other leaders of the Black community:

"Issue 1 has the overwhelming support of so many Democrats, Republicans, Independents, leaders of the Black and faith communities because we all know the unwritten truth about the current system. The truth is power-hungry politicians have set up barriers at the Statehouse meant to silence the voices of Black men and women, deny us equal and fair representation in our government, and stifle any possible legislation laid out to help our communities desperately in need," said Rep. Jarrells. "I will be voting 'YES' on Issue 1 to tear down the barriers erected because of partisan gerrymandering. Only then can we guarantee fair representation and equality to not just the Black community, but to all disenfranchised communities across Ohio."

This month, more than 60 Black faith leaders from communities across Ohio signed an open letter urging Ohioans to vote "YES" on Issue 1 to end gerrymandering by empowering citizens, instead of politicians, to draw fair legislative maps in an open and transparent process.

Ohioans can learn more about the amendment and its implications here.