Toledo Reporter

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) has issued a statement condemning the Ohio Ballot Board's recent decision to adopt language for Issue 1, known as the "Citizens Not Politicians" redistricting constitutional amendment. The vote, which followed party lines, has been criticized by Hicks-Hudson as misleading.

"This last-minute effort by the Secretary of State's office is a pathetic and disgraceful attempt to deceive and manipulate voters at the ballot box," said Hicks-Hudson. "Putting the word 'gerrymander' in the actual ballot language is a clear sign that these Republican politicians are petrified of relinquishing control in their districts and will stop at nothing, even the Ohio Constitution, to maintain their power. They are trying to put their thumb on the scale so voters will be confused in a last gasp attempt to keep their grip on power. It’s a move that is beyond disrespectful to the volunteers who volunteered their time to get this issue on the ballot and the Ohioans who signed the petitions for fairer representation here at the Statehouse. I pray the Supreme Court sees how brazenly unconstitutional this language is and corrects this shameful action by the GOP Ballot Board members."

The responsibility for drafting ballot language lies with the Secretary of State’s office. Senator Hicks-Hudson, who serves on the Ballot Board, had previously requested Secretary LaRose share draft language with board members; however, it was not distributed until twenty-four hours before.