For a Third Time, Supreme Court Rejects Ohio’s Redrawn Legislative Maps

On March 16, a divided Supreme Court of Ohio voted 4-3 against the state’s redrawn legislative districts. For the third time, Republican Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor joined Democratic Justices Michael Donnelly, Melody Stewart, and Jennifer Brunner in invalidating the maps. Republican Justices Pat DeWine, Pat Fischer, and Sharon Kennedy voted in favor of the maps.

The court ruled that the Ohio Redistricting Commission must adopt another state legislative district plan by March 28. This effectively eliminates any possibility of a full primary on May 3 with all statewide, Ohio House and Senate, and U.S. House candidates appearing on the same ballot. 3/17/2022