DEAR EDITOR:

Ohio is the only state in the country with a constitution that requires a redraw of its congressional map this year. If they follow the rules as they are intended, lawmakers are expected to hold public hearings and then pass a new congressional map with bipartisan support by Sept. 30.

Instead, Republicans in Columbus are dragging their feet by refusing to introduce their own map, blocking hearings on the Democrats’ proposed map, and essentially stonewalling a debate between the two parties on a new map.

This is exactly the kind of political gamesmanship voters tried to end when we passed redistricting reforms in 2018.

The rules are simple: propose a map, hold at least two hearings, and let the public weigh in. Instead, legislative leaders seem intent on running out the clock so they can ram through another partisan gerrymander in November.

We deserve better. Ohio deserves transparency, hearings announced in advance, and a fair chance to speak on the maps that will shape our representation for years to come.

Anything less is a betrayal of the reforms BOTH parties promised to uphold.

This process doesn’t belong to politicians; it belongs to Ohioans. Lawmakers MUST follow the rules, HONOR the will of the voters, and deliver fair maps through an open, public process.

LAURENCE HINER

Chardon