Whether it was confusion over ballot language or a genuine desire to maintain the system already in place, Ohio voters on Tuesday rejected an amendment that would have created a citizen-led commission to produce political maps of the state.

Even if voters decided that the effort of Citizens, not Politicians, was the wrong way forward, that should not mean that advocates are giving up the fight for a system that produces fair and constitutional voting maps.

“Analyzing tonight’s vote, it is clear that the millions of Ohioans who voted yes want to end gerrymandering,” said former Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who contributed to lead the efforts. “And it’s also clear that those who voted no thought they were voting to end gerrymandering.” »

This last bit is a bit unfair. There is room for those who simply think the woefully flawed Ohio Redistricting Commission should be replaced with a different alternative.

In fact, Gov. Mike DeWine said he would pursue his own proposed alternative next year.

It has to be.

The commission repeatedly refused to do its job because its members understood that there would be no consequences for ignoring orders to redraw maps that turned out to have been unconstitutionally sorted to favor Republicans.

DeWine is a member of the commission, although he agreed that the maps should not be drawn by politicians. If he has a better idea, he should waste no time implementing it.

“While I am devastated by this loss, I will continue to fight for fair maps alongside the many Ohioans – Republicans, independents and Democrats – who demand better from our state government,” said state Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio. “The fight for fair maps is far from over.”

Antonio is right. The desire for fair and constitutional political maps is not a partisan issue. This is a desire of ALL Ohioans. DeWine and others must soon renew their efforts to make the maps serve us fairly, rather than just one party.