COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Opponents of a fall ballot issue rewriting Ohio's political map-making process have outraised the measure's backers by almost double heading into Election Day.
In reports filed Thursday, the Issue 2 opponents at Protect Your Vote Ohio reported raising almost $7 million, compared with $3.6 million for Voters First, the coalition spearheading the changes.
The constitutional amendment proposes establishing a 12-member commission of state residents to handle the once-per-decade drawing of Ohio's legislative and congressional districts. It would take the power from the state Legislature and Ohio Apportionment Board dominated by statewide officeholders.
Protect Your Vote Ohio said respected business groups and public policy advocates fueled its fundraising effort. The rival committee said utilities and special interests were at work.
Labor unions were the biggest donors backing Issue 2.
