It turns out, the problem goes well beyond just that city. At least one other Valley city hasn't redrawn their boundaries in more than half a century and multiple cities nearby also have the same problem.

The League of Women Voters of Ohio is working with the leaders of those nearby cities to help them draw accurate maps.

Trevor Martin, program coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Ohio, said checking ward lines helps give everyone a voice.

“How these folks are grouped into a district has an enormous influence on who representatives are and what policies they fight for,” said Martin.

One of the cities the nonprofit met with is Struthers. Catherine Cercone Miller, Mayor for the City of Struthers, said she did not know that they needed to reconfigure their wards every 10 years, but is taking immediate action.

“We weren't really sure what the meeting was about, but when they got here, we were kind of shocked, because we were not aware that this was something that was supposed to be done every year after a census was done,” said Miller. “They explained to us what needed to happen, and we explained that to council. So now they're going to come in and do a direct presentation.”

Changing ward lines is more than just paperwork. It affects everything from what services you receive to how long politicians can hold on to power. 

“That number one priority of redistricting is to balance out the population, that one person, one vote that falls under the 14th amendment. And so, you know that's why we do it. Every 10 years, when that census comes out,” said Martin.

Ohio law requires ward lines to be looked at, and in some cases, adjusted, every decade.

Campbell was behind on redistricting wards, but Council President George Levendis said they passed legislation in December, and just sent their new map to the Board of elections last month

Struthers has not made any changes since 1971. 

Now, Struthers city ward population numbers are nowhere near balanced, which affects how much say people have in city business. 

Just like in Warren, Struthers will have the League of Women Voters in Ohio speaking at their council meeting February 18.

“It’s not something that we’re purposely avoiding, it’s just something that is what it is and we have to deal with it,” said Miller.

Martin said when meeting with communities, they seemed shocked.

“The first response we get is, kind of, one of surprise, you know, this isn't something that's maybe a priority, or something that's, you know, kind of listed in the job description,” said Martin.

The League is also working with Alliance and Ravenna. 

Martin said a 10% deviation or less in ward population shows fair representation.

Struthers has a 29% deviation in population. Ravenna, who last redrew ward lines in 1972, is at 62%. Alliance last redrew their ward lines in 1991, and is at 38%.

To be in compliance with Ohio law, cities will have to pass legislation redrawing the wards at least 150 before the 2027 primary.

 

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