There have been a number of efforts in the last 25 years to reform the redistricting process in Ohio. Unfortunately, all of these efforts have failed. Typically, though not consistently, the party that controlled the process saw no need for change, while the other major party was more likely to support reform. In 1981, a constitutional amendment was placed on the Ohio ballot to change the method of redistricting to a more formulaic, mathematical approach that favored compact districts. This amendment was supported by good government organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Ohio as well as by the Ohio Republican Party. It was opposed by the Democrats and their allies, who at that time controlled the redistricting process and saw no need to change it. The amendment was soundly rejected by the voters.
