How to Testify for Fair Congressional District Maps

In 2018, Ohioans voted in huge numbers to create a fair, transparent system for redrawing our congressional district lines. But some legislators want to ignore the new laws you voted into place.

This Friday (11/12), the newly-formed joint redistricting committee will accept public testimony on proposed congressional district maps.

We are urging as many Ohioans as possible to testify in-person. But written-only testimony is also an option!

---

HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY (in-person OR written-only):

***Friday’s hearing starts at 10:30 am in Statehouse Room 313 (House Finance Hearing Room)***

1. Write your testimony. Save it as a PDF file.

   • See testimony template below.

   • Use this messaging guide for some ideas on what to say.

2. Fill out a witness slip.

   • Make a copy of this generic witness slip (“File” –> “Make a Copy”)

   • Fill it out. You will email it along with your testimony.

   • You can testify on any (or several) of these bills:

     1. Senate Dems’ Proposal: SB 237

     2. House Dems’ Proposal: Bill forthcoming

     3. Senate Republicans’ Proposal: SB 258 (blatant gerrymandering)

     4. House Republicans’ Proposal: HB 479 (blatant gerrymandering)

3. Email your testimony and witness slip to gavarone@ohiosenate.gov AND rep91@ohiohouse.gov

   • Testimony is due at 10:30 am THURSDAY (11/11).

   • In your email, you can also ask to be placed on the “Joint Redistricting Committee notice list.” You’ll receive emails from the committee. You’ll know first when future bill hearings are announced.

---

If you’re submitting written-only testimony, that’s it! You’re done! You officially testified! (We recommend sharing your testimony on social media so everyone can see it!)

If you’re testifying in-person (recommended), see below.

---

4. Arrive at the Statehouse before the committee is scheduled to begin.

• Park either in the garage underneath the Statehouse or the Columbus Commons Parking Garage.

• Note: you’ll need to go through a metal detector when you arrive.

• You can ask the security guards to direct you to the committee room where your hearing is being held.

5. Bring a printed copy of your testimony with you to read in front of the committee (you do not have to read your testimony word for word).

6. You may also want to bring extra copies to hand to reporters.

---

—TESTIMONY TEMPLATE—

Co-Chair Gavarone, Co-Chair Wilkin, and members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Redistricting,

Thank you for allowing me to testify today. My name is ________. I am [basic bio about yourself]. I am here to testify for fair maps and equal districts.

[Then tell them some details about what makes a fair map. List a few places where they should not compromise. For example: A fair map will include 7 Democratic seats and 8 Republican seats. This reflects Ohio's average statewide vote share for the past decade.]

[Make your testimony short and sweet — a few paragraphs is perfect. If you’re comfortable, pick out a few pieces of the proposed maps that should be changed — and explain why]

I ask you to consider my testimony carefully. Do not settle for anything less than a fair, representative map. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.

[IF TESTIFYING IN PERSON] I will now take any questions you may have.

AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED SPEAKING, legislators may ask you questions.

• They are more likely to ask questions if you provide data/statistics or present yourself as having professional experience related to the bill.

• This part of the process can be incredibly persuasive! But be prepared to back up your testimony!

Questions? Email Rachel Coyle: Coyle@InnovationOhio.org