Gerry Mandering The Whole State
I was speaking with a close friend recently about gerrymandering, and he asked me, "They can’t gerrymander the whole state, can they?"
The answer is Yes. But it isn’t just about squiggly lines on a map.
True gerrymandering starts long before the census. It’s baked into the very DNA of our election infrastructure, and it’s designed to ensure that while the faces might change, the colors Red or Blue never do. If you want to understand why the "non-government Earner Class" in Akron feels sidelined, you have to look at the three levels of the "Crown."
1. The Gatekeepers: The 2+2 Rule
Look at your local Board of Elections. By design, it’s a 50/50 split: 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans. They call this "bipartisanship." I call it a duopoly.
This structure ensures that the two major parties have a seat at the table for every decision from ballot challenges to polling locations—while the I (Independent) and L (Libertarian) are left outside in the hallway. When the referees are also the players, the game is rigged before the first whistle.
2. The Appointment Relay Race
We see it right now in the Akron City Council. An incumbent like Jeff Fusco retires, and suddenly there’s a 30-day "appointment window." Under Section 28 of the Charter, the Council gets to handpick a replacement. Offer an impromptu council meeting for potential candidates to speak,” Keeping it all legal in appearances.”
This is the "Grooming Phase." Instead of a wide-open election where a Libertarian or an Independent could make a case to the people, the "District Royalty" picks their next favorite player to finish the term. By the time the actual election rolls around, the appointee is now the "incumbent" with all the name recognition and donor backing that comes with it. The crown isn't won; it’s passed down.
3. The Result: A Feedback Loop of Stagnation
Whether it’s the Ohio State Central Committee or the halls of Congress, the results are mathematically identical:
They draw the maps to protect their own. They write the ballot access laws to bury challengers in red tape. They use "bipartisan" boards to certify the status quo.
The result? You never see an "I" or an "L" on the victory podium. You get a state that is gerrymandered not just by geography, but by legacy.
How We Break the Lock
The 1776 $5 Challenge isn't just about fundraising; it’s about disruption. When we fund our own movements, we don't need the permission of the 2+2 boards. When we apply for those "appointment vacancies" (like I am doing for the At-Large seat), we force the Royalty to look the non-government Class in the eye.
A state can be gerrymandered, but a movement cannot. It’s time to stop waiting for them to give us a seat and start building a new table.
Paid for by Friends of Keith for Ohio.
Posted on 08 Apr 2026, 17:49 - Category: The People Are Screwed