“I’m voting YES on Issue 8 because every Columbus resident deserves a City Council representative elected directly by the people of that district. It’s a simple change that will create more accountability and a City Hall that’s more responsive to the needs of residents and neighborhoods.”

- Munira Abdullahi, Ohio State Representative for District 9

“Indivisible Central Ohio believes in the voters’ right to have a voice in all levels of government, including via citizen-led petitions and at the ballot box. We are delighted with City Council’s affirmative vote to send the Our City Our Say issue to the ballot this November. We urge all Columbus voters to vote Yes on Issue 8.”
- Jackie Bird, an organizer with Indivisible Central Ohio

"Issue 8 should matter to every community member who believes in true democracy! It is our opportunity to make each one of our voices count when electing our city council members!"

- Ms. Adrienne Hood, Community Advocate

“Columbus residents deserve a City Hall that listens to working people —not one that prioritizes billionaires and powerful corporate interests like Jimmy Haslam and Les Wexner. That's why we are urging voters across the city to vote 'yes' for Issue 8 this November.”

-Scott Winzig, Columbus DSA

"If we as citizens are going to be represented by 'District Councilors,' then we must be allowed to pick our own representatives to serve on our City Council. The will of the district must be all that matters."

- Russell Goodwin, Military Veteran and LGBTQAI Plus Advocate

"We’re going to win real districts and real democracy in November—the people of Columbus have waited long enough. Some have even been working for this reform for decades. They deserve to see the change they've fought so hard for finally be realized. "

- Colleen O’Connell, Volunteer

"In the months I've spent talking to Columbus residents all across the city, one thing has been abundantly clear--people know the current system is not working for them and they want a change, NOW."

-Sharon Kim, Lead Organizer of Asian American Midwest Progressives (AAMP) Ohio

“The people of Columbus deserve to have a say in our own government. The people want a council member who is accountable and responsive to the needs of people in their district.”

-Willis Brown, president of the Bronzeville Neighborhood Association

“The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus is pleased that Columbus voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard on the Our City Our Say charter amendment this November. We support efforts to strengthen neighborhood representation on City Council, and we commend the residents who organized, gathered signatures, and participated in the democratic process to bring this proposal before voters.”

-Kristin Sutton, President, League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus

"Most voters have no idea who their city councilor is or which district they reside in. That is an indictment of the system, not of the constituent. In a city of nearly one million people, why is someone who lives on the opposite side of town voting for the council member who represents YOU?"

- Maitland Neff, Community Organizer

"Every neighborhood deserves a dedicated advocate to champion their cause and amplify their voice. Recognizing the profound significance of this mission, Issue 8 stands as the first initiative in our 11-year history to receive our endorsement, and it did so unanimously."

- Greater South East Area Commission

"For too long our neighborhoods have been neglected while big monied interests and campaign donors get whatever they want--often at the expense of our communities. This ballot issue is an important step in correcting this historical injustice. Columbus residents deserve a vibrant democracy."

- Will Klatt, Clintonville Area Commissioner

“It’s time that the people of Columbus take back their city and power. Over the last year our city has lived in fear and anxiety while ICE uses Flock cameras–that our city agreed to–to track our community so they can violate basic human decency and take our neighbors. Passing Issue 8 will give us real power to hold our elected officials accountable.”

- Liliana Rivera Baiman, community organizer