State Coalition Wants Change In Political Bouandaries

A voter advocacy group is looking to keep political parties and politicians from making decisions without public input.

"Voter’s First," a non-partisan coalition announced a partnership with "We Are Ohio" Friday at a press conference outside of the Muskingum County Courthouse.

Chairwoman Catherine Turcer said Voter’s First has partnerships with over 20 other organizations statewide, including groups in Muskingum County.

The group proposes having a commission of independent voters to select district lines.

"It’s an independent commission, an Independent commission that’s made up of citizen, a commission that’s made up of voters, so that voters can actually choose their elected officials, as opposed to the elected officials going into back rooms, rigging the district lines, and choosing their voters," said Turcer.

Other speakers say out of touch politicians who passed the controversial Senate Bill 5 went against the will of the people, and collecting petitions will send a message to lawmakers in Columbus.

"These extreme laws are possible because partisan politicians are picking their voters instead of voters choosing their elected representatives.  We need balance and common sense at the Statehouse," said Ohio teacher Courtney Johnson.

"That’s why we are gathering petitions. Petitions to tell the politicians in Columbus, enough is enough, we want districts drawn fairly, where you will represent us, we will no longer represent you," said Steve Kullman of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association.

The coalition is working to collect signatures, and must collect more than 300,000 signatures to get the issue on the November ballot.