Ohio House and Senate leaders are preparing to meet in order to put together a new Congressional district map.
Republican and Democratic lawmakers from both chambers will be part of the joint committee, which is required to hold public hearings on a proposed Congressional map.
Voter rights advocates have criticized the maps put forth by Republicans and argue that they strongly favor the GOP and leave only two districts that lean in favor of Democrats.
Catherine Turcer of Common Cause Ohio said it's important for citizens to keep fighting against gerrymandering.
"Yes, we're tired but we're gonna keep going because of course, voters deserve better," she said.
A 10-year map requires bipartisan support but the legislature could pass a four-year map with a simple majority, which the Republicans have in the House and Senate.
The new maps will feature 15 Congressional districts after Ohio lost one seat in the House of Representatives following the 2020 U.S. Census.
The state legislature was required to create a new Congressional district map by the end of September. The task of drawing maps then fell to the Ohio Redistricting Commission, who held one hearing before another deadline passed in October. That sent the responsibility of drawing the maps back to state lawmakers.
There are now four maps proposed for Ohio’s Congressional districts one created by each party in both the house and senate.
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