A ballot measure that would have established a new body for drawing the state maps in Ohio, removing elected officials entirely, is projected to fail — dealing a blow to Democrats, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Ohio voters rejected a redistricting proposal that would have removed politicians from the process. This means we keep the current setup, where elected politicians in Ohio make up the state’s redistricting commission which draws the map. Opponents argued the amendment would require districts to be gerrymandered — or manipulated to favor one party.

Ohio voters have rejected a constitutional amendment that would have established a citizen-led redistricting commission.

Ohioans on Tuesday rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have replaced the current seven-member redistricting commission with a 15-member, nonpolitical commission to draw the state’s legislative districts.

Ohio voters are expressing confusion over ballot language written by opponents of Ohio Issue 1, so to be clear: A “Yes” vote establishes a new citizens redistricting commission. A “No” vote keeps politicians on the current Ohio Redistricting Commission in charge.

This amendment would set up a body composed of 15 non-politician members who would be tasked with creating fair congressional and legislative districts.

Ohio voters will decide whether they want to set up a citizen-led redistricting commission to replace the state's troubled political mapmaking system