The ongoing debate over redistricting in Ohio highlights a critical issue within the democratic process: the manipulation of ballot language by people in power to influence voter perception. This tactic is part of a larger national trend where biased ballot language is used as a tactic to defeat citizen-led initiatives. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is attempting to exploit the Citizens Not Politicians ballot language in an attempt to consolidate power and limit democracy.

On Thursday, civil rights leaders and advocacy groups released the following statements to the media condemning the biased ballot language released by LaRose: 

“Public service should be a calling, where elected officials honor the sacred trust instilled in them, but the language presented to the Ohio Ballot Board on redistricting is another sad example of politicians abusing their power.  This is another obvious attempt by Secretary of State LaRose to use his power to mislead voters, and as civil rights organizations, we believe the public will not buy it.” – Bria Bennett, Communications Director of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative.

“This is why politicians cannot be trusted in redistricting; the proposed ballot language is illegal and shows bias and misinformation.” – Tom Roberts, President of the Ohio Conference NAACP. 

“Every Ohioan, regardless of their political party, should be appalled by ballot language that is a clear overreach and a blatant attack on voting rights. For Black voters, this is a historical pattern of election manipulation that disenfranchises tens of thousands of Black Ohio voters.” – Petee Talley, Director of the Ohio Unity Coalition.

“The Ballot Board should do their job and reject this misleading summary from the Secretary of State's office. The Ohio Constitution requires the language presented to voters to be accurate and non-prejudicial. LaRose did exactly the opposite.  Present Ohioans with the facts, and let us decide.” – Deidra Reese, Director of Voter Engagement of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative

If nothing else, Secretary LaRose's political maneuver serves as evidence that some of our politicians cannot be trusted with processes that defend democracy. This is a stark reminder that we need transparency and fairness in our democratic processes now more than ever. As citizens and advocacy groups, we must uphold the integrity of our electoral process and ensure that power resides with the people, not entrenched political interests.