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Ohio is in the process of redrawing U.S. Congressional districts, along with Ohio’s House and Senate districts. An Akron Press Club panel will discuss the process and what it means for voters at a virtual program Wednesday, September 22, at noon.
The panelists are:
· Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio. Miller also is on the board of the Ohio Debate Commission, the Ohio History Connection and Kids Voting Ohio.
· Rich Exner of Cleveland.com. Among Exner’s areas of expertise are U.S. Census data and elections.
Districts for those who represent Ohio are redrawn every 10 years following the release of the U.S. Census. Based on the 2020 census, Ohio will lose a House seat, going from 16 to 15 representatives.
A 2019 Associated Press analysis found that Ohio is among the most gerrymandered states. Under gerrymandering, one political party creates state and congressional districts that give that party an unfair political advantage. Ohio voters have approved two constitutional amendments designed to curtail gerrymandering.
The Ohio Redistricting Commission is tasked with redrawing Ohio’s districts.
The Akron Press Club has not been able to hold traditional lunch programming during the current pandemic. Funds from these lunches go toward scholarships for journalism and public relations students. Between the Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund, scholarships of $5,000 were awarded to nine students in 2020.
As we navigate COVID-19, please consider a donation to the Akron Press Club to fund scholarships. They make a difference to the students who receive them. You can donate by following the link on the registration page for this event or you can donate to the Akron Press Club Scholarship Fund here.