House Bill 471 passes reducing Ohio's congressional districts

     House Bill 471 recently passed and will reduce Ohio's congressional districts from 19 to 18.  The bill passed by a vote of  22 to 11, with Senator C.J. Prentiss of Cleveland providing the only Democratic vote for the two-thirds majority needed in order to give the bill emergency status and prevent the possibility of  two primary elections.  This action means that the redrawn districts will now be in place by a February 21st  deadline for candidates to file nominating petitions.  Without the emergency clause, there would have been ninety day waiting period, where a late June primary would be held for all candidates or a separate one held in August for congressional candidates.

     The bill is a direct result of the 2000 census report which tracks a slower growth rate in Ohio's population over the last ten years.  Republicans, who are the majority in the Statehouse are in control of the redistricting process.  Representative James Traficant's (D-Youngstown) district has been eliminated.  Rep. Traficant will now join Rep. Ted Strickland (D. Lucasville) in representing the new 6th district.  The bill is expected to be signed by Governor Bob Taft very soon.