O'Connor to speak Sept. 17 on gerrymandering

The local chapter of the League of Women Voters will host Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, the past chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, to discuss Issue 1 and answer questions.

The free community event — Empowering Ohioans: The Fight To End Gerrymandering — will take place Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Gault Recital Hall, located in Scheide Music Center at The College of Wooster, 525 E. University St.

“The League of Women Voters is committed to ensuring that Ohioans are aware of their voting rights and when those rights are at risk, so that all have the ability to make informed decisions on Election Day,” said Mary Sue Kaliszewski, one of the program chairs for the Wayne County League of Women Voters.

The league is a nonpartisan organization. Membership in the nonprofit is open to individuals age 16 and older.

“We work to encourage active and informed participation of local citizens in our democracy,” Kaliszewski said. “The league strives to increase the voter understanding of major public policy issues, to influence public policy through education and advocacy, to foster civil dialogue about important community issues, and engage voters through voter registration events, candidate forums and voter education.”

Anyone who would like to better understand the scope of Issue 1, the history of gerrymandering, the impact it has on Ohio voters and why Ohio voters should care about this issue is invited to attend the free public event.

“In her remarks to the Wooster League of Women Voters, retired Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor will discuss Issue 1, the Citizens Not Politicians Amendment to end gerrymandering in Ohio,” O-Connor's office said. “She will briefly trace the history of gerrymandering, outline the impact to all Ohioans, and highlight how this amendment represents a nonpartisan solution designed by and for Ohioans, returning the power of redistricting to the people.

“With a focus on transparency, accountability and fairness, Justice O'Connor will address the misleading ballot language pushed by politicians and emphasize the broad statewide support for this critical reform. Her message will underscore the importance of citizen involvement in creating fair legislative districts that reflect the true will of Ohio's voters.”

Kaliszewski said Ohio is one of the 10 most gerrymandered states in the country. Additionally, she said politicians have been unable to create districts that meet the requirements of the constitution. Their efforts were ruled unconstitutional seven times by the Ohio Supreme Court — five times for state legislative maps and twice for congressional maps. This process cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

No advance registration or tickets are needed for the event. O'Connor's talk will be followed by a Q-and-A period.

Find the Wayne County League of Women Voters online at www.lwvwaynecounty.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lwvwaynecounty.

“Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what gerrymandering is, learn the history of gerrymandering in the state of Ohio, and find clarity on how their vote on Issue 1 impacts their voting rights and the power of their vote,” Kaliszewski said.