Dear Editor,
Some powerful Ohio lawmakers are willing to charge Ohio taxpayers $20 million in order to ensure that gerrymandered electoral maps become a reality.
They have resisted having an open, bipartisan process of drawing maps, relying instead on gerrymandered congressional and legislative maps that lean Republican. The Ohio Supreme Court has repeatedly rejected these maps. As a result, there is too little time for candidates, voters and boards of election to figure out the new districts before the May 3 primary date.
Some legislative leaders are proposing holding two primaries, one for congressional districts and a second, later election, for legislative districts. This would be a costly and unwise decision. The cost of holding a special election is estimated at $20-$25 million.
The wisest option is to hold a single primary for both races, but delay it until such point as fair, nonpartisan maps are delivered, allowing time for our electorate to adjust.
Should voters have to pay more for fair maps? I think not.
Brian E. Miller
Gambier
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