A recent editorial by the Toledo Blade. October 19, 2022.

Since 1851 the Ohio Constitution has said “all political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal protection and benefit and they have the right to alter reform or abolish the same, whenever they deem it necessary.”

The Constitution of the United States begins, “we the people” and affirms that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.

The foundational documents of our nation and state acknowledge that government legitimacy is based on acquiescence to public will.

It’s important to remember these elemental facts upon which we’ve built our society as the Republican leaders of the Ohio General Assembly, both lawyers, attempt to usurp the will of citizens and gain sole authority over congressional redistricting.

House Speaker Robert Cupp and Senate President Matt Huffman have appealed the disputed Ohio congressional districts to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Lima lawmakers argue that the U.S. Constitution gives the legislature sole authority over the “time, place and manner” of selecting congressional representatives.

They argue the Ohio Supreme Court has no authority in congressional redistricting, even though a 2018 voter-passed Ohio constitutional amendment made sweeping change to the redistricting process.

Ohio voters made clear in the state constitution that congressional districts could not favor one party over the other and that government units could not be unduly split.

— Toledo Blade, October 19, 2022