November 30 , 2023 The Beacon • 5

Free and fair elections . Let ’ s start with a definition of Gerrymandering : the manipulation of an electoral constituency ’ s boundaries in an effort to favor one party or class over another . Currently in Ohio , Republicans hold 70 % of the legislative seats at the state level in spite of only earning 56 % of the vote in recent election cycles . Theoretically then , a representation voting map should reflect that . The difficulty is when politicians are in charge of drawing these maps , they tend to try and protect their seats .

The obvious solution is it should be turned over to an independent commission that would draw the map . This has been accomplished in several states with both parties concluding it — and being supported by the Supreme Court of those states — as being fair .

Historically , both parties have engaged in this practice , which is actually illegal . The Apportionment Act of 1842 mandated districts be

Letter to the Editor

geographically contiguous and have roughly the same population . Within those parameters both parties have manipulated the boundaries based on the Census . The party in power at that time typically will redraw the map in an effort to stay in control . The end result is you are not truly being represented . This is why when you call your representative , if you are not from the party in control , your voice is greatly diminished .

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 gave the Department of Justice the power to break up districts that sought to disenfranchise minorities . Currently , there are a number of lawsuits over this very issue . I think everyone everywhere likes the idea that your vote counts as equally as the next person . When we wander away from that notion , then the politicians seem to think our votes should not count at all . If we are not careful , we at one time or another become disenfranchised and feel at best minimized .

Demanding “ free and fair ” elections is at the heart of our nation . Our last presidential election was one where a number of folks insisted there was an inaccurate tally of the votes . Lawsuits were put in play and rejected 61 times all over the country . In an effort to ensure a different outcome in 2024 , bullying of volunteer poll workers , theft of personal voter information , disparagement of secretaries of state and attempts at Gerrymandering have ensued .

We should insist on an independent commission to draw our representative maps and remove politicians from that process . You can agree or disagree with me . I just want your vote to count as much as mine .

Ed Gallagher Coshocton

Help available for water and wastewater bills

The Ohio Department of Development and Kno- Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission will help income-eligible Ohioans with water and wastewater ( sewer ) assistance . The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying water and wastewater bills .

Jon Ulbright presents the

38 th Annual

BF-151436

Clients need to have copies of the following documents : their most recent water / wastewater bills , a list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member , proof of U . S . citizenship or legal residency for all household members , proof of disability if applicable , and other documentation as needed .

Income guidelines are at or below 175 % of the Federal Poverty Level . For information about the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program , call Kno-Ho-Co- Ashland Community Action Commission at 740-622- 9801 .

Massillon Train & Toy Show Sunday , December 10 , 2023 • 10AM-3PM Admission : Adults $ 5 • Children 12 & Under FREE Sponsored by CJ Trains , LLC • www . cjtrains . com

Featuring : All Gauges & Parts • Running Layouts • Farm & Vintage Toys Die Cast Models • Books & Videos • 150 Dealer Tables • NASCAR Items • FREE Parking Catered by Massillon K of C

Massillon K of C Hall • 988 Cherry Road NW , Massillon , OH 44647 Phone : 330-262-7488 • Cell : 330-466-8664 • Email : cathijon @ sssnet . com

Waiting on Christmas lights

Marianne Austin

Amy Stonebraker from West Lafayette and her 2-year-old grandson Remington Collins were at the court square early on for the Christmas activities on Nov . 17 . “ This is the first one that he has been able to really enjoy , with the lights and everything ,” Stonebraker said .

The Coshocton County Beacon November 30, 2023 | Page 5

Letter to the Editor

Help available for water and wastewater bills

Massillon Train & Toy Show Sunday , December 10 , 2023 • 10AM-3PM Admission : Adults $ 5 • Children 12 & Under FREE Sponsored by CJ Trains , LLC • www . cjtrains . com

Waiting on Christmas lights

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