Talk about reforming the complicated process of redrawing state legislative districts every 10 years has been largely lost in the din over legalizing marijuana in Ohio. Backers of Issue 1 hope to change that in the wake of a new poll that suggests voters are more likely to support it when they know what it is. “Who would have known that marijuana is more interesting than redistricting?” asked former state Rep. Matt Huffman (R., Lima), who co-sponsored the resolution with former Rep. Vernon Sykes (D. Akron) that put the question on the ballot. “That has taken away from the public’s interest, and that’s not terribly surprising,” Mr. Huffman said Tuesday. “That’s having an effect on our fund-raising.”
So far the Fair Districts for Ohio campaign has raised less than $300,000. It will launch a radio ad campaign within days.
“It’s not a campaign where we’re going to buy millions of dollars of TV, but if the Democratic Party and Republican Party both have this on their slate cards, that’s an effective way, we think, to communicate to voters,” Mr. Huffman said.
The campaign is counting on communication among the wide range of organizations backing the proposal, including business, labor, voting rights, government watchdog groups, faith-based, and farm groups and their members. Several attended Tuesday’s news conference to promote the issue.
Full Article: Redistricting plan has support if not interest – Toledo Blade.