Columbus Residents Push for New City Council District Maps

Columbus, Ohio, residents are advocating for revised city council district maps, aiming to strengthen representation for minority communities. The effort comes four years after a previous charter amendment reshaped the city’s electoral system and follows concerns that the current districts do not adequately reflect the city’s demographics.

Current System and Concerns

In 2018, Columbus voters approved a charter amendment to change the composition of the city council from seven at-large members to nine by-district members, establishing procedures for implementing by-district elections. Ballotpedia reports the measure passed with 76.06% approval. Despite the creation of nine districts, all council members are still elected citywide, meaning voters across Columbus can vote for representatives in each district.

This system has led to situations where a candidate can win a district seat with a citywide majority, despite losing the vote within the district itself. For example, Tiara Ross won the District 7 seat in November, despite her opponent, Jesse Vogel, receiving more votes within the district boundaries.

Proposed Changes and Community Support

A group of community leaders is proposing new district boundaries designed to create two majority-Black council districts, one majority-minority district, and one district that is 47% minority. Jonathan Beard, a leader of the effort, stated that the current district lines “were drawn for citywide elections and they are all majority white and likely would not comply with Voting Rights Act of 1965 requirements,” according to reporting by WCBE.

Kate Curry-Da-Souza, a former District 7 primary candidate, also supports the changes, arguing they would provide more equitable representation and accountability. She stated, “This voice amplifies a movement and need for true representation,” as reported by local news sources.

Next Steps

The group has filed a petition with the Columbus city clerk, which will be reviewed by the city council and city attorney. If approved, the group will begin collecting approximately 13,000 signatures from registered Columbus voters to place the proposal on the November ballot. Plans are underway to gather signatures throughout the summer.

Currently, four of the nine City Council members are Black, including Council President Shannon Hardin. The Columbus City Council initially voted to place a charter amendment on the May 8, 2018 ballot that increased the size of Council to nine and instituted at-large, by-place elections according to a City of Columbus release. The changes approved in 2018 were set to take effect in 2023.