Columbus Seeks to Reshape City Council Districts

Community leaders propose charter amendment to change council election process

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A coalition of community leaders in Columbus, Ohio plans to submit a charter amendment proposal to the city clerk's office, seeking to reshape the city's council election process and redraw district lines. The group aims to establish a system where only voters within each of nine newly defined districts can elect their council member, a departure from the current citywide voting system.

Why it matters

The proposed changes are driven by concerns about equitable representation and the effectiveness of the current district system, which some say does not comply with the Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting power of minority communities. The outcome of this petition and subsequent signature drive will determine whether Columbus voters will have the opportunity to fundamentally alter the structure of their local government.

The details

The coalition is seeking to create two majority-Black council districts, one majority-minority district, and another district comprised of 47% minority residents. They argue the existing district lines were 'drawn for citywide elections' and 'are all majority white and likely would not comply with Voting Rights Act of 1965 requirements for district elections that support the voting power of residents in geographically concentrated minority communities.' The proposed amendment requires approval from the Columbus City Council and city attorney before the group can start collecting signatures to place the issue on the November ballot.

  • The coalition plans to submit the charter amendment proposal to the Columbus city clerk's office on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Organizers intend to gather the approximately 13,000 signatures from registered Columbus voters needed to place the issue on the November ballot throughout the summer of 2026.
  • If the petition is approved, Columbus voters will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed changes in the fall of 2026.

The players

Jonathan Beard

A leading figure in the effort to revise Columbus' council district boundaries.

Kate Curry-Da-Souza

A candidate in the 2023 District 7 primary who voiced support for the proposed changes, stating the fresh districts would better represent neighborhoods with shared interests.

Shannon Hardin

The current Council President of the Columbus City Council, which is comprised of four Black members out of nine total.

Tiara Ross

The recently elected council member for District 7, which encompasses Downtown Columbus and surrounding areas.

Jesse Vogel

The opponent of Tiara Ross in the District 7 election, who received a majority of votes within the district despite Ross winning the citywide election.

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What they’re saying

“Tomorrow our community will discover its voice has not been dormant. This voice amplifies a movement and need for true representation…Community requires accountability for all and transparent movement away from the inequitable 'Columbus Way.'”

— Kate Curry-Da-Souza, 2023 District 7 primary candidate (Statement)

“The existing district lines were 'drawn for citywide elections' and 'are all majority white and likely would not comply with Voting Rights Act of 1965 requirements for district elections that support the voting power of residents in geographically concentrated minority communities.'”

— Jonathan Beard, Leading figure in district revision effort (Interview)

What’s next

The Columbus City Council and city attorney will review the petition after it is filed. Approval from both entities is required before the group can start collecting the approximately 13,000 signatures from registered Columbus voters needed to place the issue on the November ballot.

The takeaway

This proposed charter amendment reflects growing concerns about equitable representation and the effectiveness of Columbus' current council district system. The outcome of this petition drive will determine whether the city's voters have the opportunity to fundamentally reshape their local government structure.