Fair and Local Representation for Every Columbus Neighborhood
Find clear answers to the most common questions about district-based electoral reform in Columbus.
What is this all about?
It’s a movement to establish TRUE district-based City Council representation, ensuring voices from all neighborhoods are heard equally.
How will district-based representation affect my community?
It will empower local neighborhoods with dedicated council members who focus on their unique concerns and priorities — instead of the interests of the wealthy and powerful who currently control who is nominated and elected to City Council in citywide elections.
Why is the current at-large system problematic?
Columbus has a council district system in name only. While council members live in the districts they represent, they are elected in citywide races. These races are rarely contested due to the enormous financial resources needed to run a citywide race. At-large seats are also well-known to be racially discriminatory.
When can Columbus voters expect changes to be implemented?
The Our City, Our Say coalition gathered more than 23,000 signatures to put Issue 8 on the November 2026 ballot. If passed, changes would then take place for the 2027 City Council elections
What is Issue 9?
Issue 9 was rushed onto the November ballot by City Council in late August (using “emergency” powers) as a response to Issue 8. It would add four more city-wide at-large Council seats, increasing the size of Council to 13. It would come at significant cost, including renovation of Council chambers plus up to 16 new salaries (new Councilmembers plus their staffs) that would be permanently paid by taxpayers. It would also perpetuate the power of the downtown political machine; no grassroots candidate can be expected to raise the funds that will be needed to win one of these seats.
Will district-based representation improve voter engagement?
Yes — localized representation fosters stronger connections and accountability between residents and their district’s council member, boosting civic participation.