Ballot Board's Political Theater on Citizens Not Politicians Amendment Language Intentionally Deceives, Misleads Ohio Voters

COLUMBUS - House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and State Rep. Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) today released the following statements after Friday's Ballot Board meeting, where Republicans passed ballot language that intends to deceive and mislead voters on the Citizens Not Politicians anti-gerrymandering amendment:

"Voters want fair maps, leaders who reflect their values, and they're tired of politicians attacking their fundamental freedoms. This scares Republicans like Frank LaRose because they know their gerrymandered grip on power is coming to an end. Friday's ruling was a corrupt political hit job and a blatant attempt by Republicans to deceive, mislead and defraud voters," said Leader Russo. "Today's entire hearing and the political theater put on display is exactly why Ohioans want citizens, not politicians, making the right choices for Ohio's future. Voters have shown out-of-touch politicians like LaRose what happens when you play games with our democracy, and they'll show them again in November."

"In a time where this state has not seen a fair redistricting process, this is absolutely absurd. The same politicians who rigged districts against voters are trying to rig the election in their favor- with intentionally misleading ballot language. We are making a tragic error. A day of reckoning is forthcoming, the people of Ohio are going to speak and to the people that got those signatures; hold the line and continue to fight! This is just another bump in the road," said Rep. Upchurch.