UNDERSTANDING REDISTRICTING IN 2025

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What’s the 2025 Redistricting Process?

A mid-decade redraw must take place this year. The map passed as part of the 2021 redistricting cycle was only a four-year map passed along party lines, rather than a 10-year bipartisan map. The map passed this year – no matter in which step of the process it is passed or whether it receives any bipartisan support – will remain in place until 2031. That means the next 3 congressional elections will use the map that comes out of the process ahead of us.

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How the Process Will Unfold

There are 4 potential steps in Ohio’s mid-decade congressional mapping process, which the legislature is primarily in charge of leading, though the Ohio Redistricting Commission – the politician-filled entity that passed our state legislative maps – can also play a role.

  • The Ohio Legislature has until September 30 to hold hearings and vote on a bipartisan map.

    • Passage requires 60% votes in each chamber, including 50% of Democrats

    • A map passed by the legislature can be vetoed by the Governor

    • If it is signed into law, it will take effect in 90 days unless it secures a two-thirds vote to include an emergency clause

    • If a map fails to get the necessary votes to pass, the process moves to step 2

  • The Ohio Redistricting Commission has until October 31 to hold hearings and vote on a bipartisan map.

    • Passage requires 4 of 7 votes, including both Democrats on the commission.

    • Maps passed by the commission take effect immediately

    • If a map fails to secure the necessary votes at the Redistricting commission, the process goes back to the legislature.

  • The Ohio Legislature has until November 30 to hold hearings and pass a bipartisan map.

    • Pass with 60% votes in both chambers, including one-third of Democrats

    • A map passed by the legislature can be vetoed by the Governor

    • If it is signed into law, it will take effect in 90 days unless it secures a two-thirds vote to include an emergency clause

  • The Ohio legislature can pass a map along party lines by November 30.

    • Pass with a simple majority (50%+1)

    • Meet additional map criteria

      • NO partisan gerrymandering

      • NO unnecessary community splits

      • Attempt district compactness

      • Include a statement explaining how legislature met these extra requirements

What’s New in 2025?

Potential Voter Confusion Resulting from Ballot Measure

In 2024, voters were presented with a redistricting reform amendment that would have banned gerrymandering and created a truly independent commission. That amendment did not pass. But because of the misleading ballot and campaign language written and used by politicians, many voters believe they already fixed the problem. Our communications about the process must consider this dynamic and ultimately overcome this potential area of voter confusion.

The Passed Map Lasts for 6 Years

In the 2021 redistricting process, there was an option to create a 10-year map with bipartisan support or a 4-year map with a simple legislative majority. In 2025, unlike in 2021, any map that’s passed as a part of this redraw will be in effect for 6 years regardless of whether it garners bipartisan support. This will be our map through the 2030 election and Ohio will not draw a new congressional map again until 2031.

Only Congressional Maps Are in Play

Maps defining state legislative districts in the House and Senate are already locked in through 2031. That means every ounce of political energy will be aimed at redrawing Ohio’s 15 congressional districts. And, because we’re the only state in the country with this mid-decade opportunity, all eyes will be on us. The outcome of this process may very well determine who holds the majority of the US House in 2026.

Who Runs the Maps?

Redistricting Commission

The Redistricting Commission, made up of the Ohio Governor, Auditor, Secretary of State, and one nominee each from the four legislative leaders, is empowered to adopt a congressional map if the General Assembly fails on its first attempt, but only with votes from both Democrats on the 7-member panel.

Ohio Supreme Court

The Ohio Supreme Court has original jurisdiction (or first review) for all future legal challenges to congressional maps.

Ohio General Assembly

The Ohio General Assembly and (if needed) the Ohio Redistricting Commission are responsible for drawing and adopting congressional maps.