Mapping Nelsonville’s Future with the League of Women Voters of Ohio
Creating Fair and Transparent Wards for Nelsonville
The people of Nelsonville voted to return to a ward-based statutory system. The League of Women Voters of Ohio and the League of Women Voters of Athens County are here to help ensure the ward map is drawn fairly, transparently, and with community input.
About the Project
A Community-Led Ward Map for Nelsonville
In 2024, the residents of Nelsonville voted to return to a general statutory form of government. That change requires the city to be divided into four council wards. In a commitment to transparency and civic engagement, the City of Nelsonville requested that the League of Women Voters of Ohio and the League of Women Voters of Athens County lead a public process to design a ward map based on community input.
Project Goals:
-
Establish an open and transparent process that educates, informs, and includes the citizens of Nelsonville in the creation of a city council ward map.
-
Construct and complete a ward map proposal that complies with all applicable federal and state laws concerning municipal districting, specifically Section 731.06 of the Ohio Revised Code.
-
Present a city ward map proposal to the Nelsonville City Council for a vote of approval.
-
Demonstrate and document a process that can serve as an example and be used as a guide for other municipalities that are preparing to draw or redraw voting districts.
Timeline of Events
Upcoming and Past Events
April 27 – Introduction to the Process
View Recording
The Lodge at Hocking College | 2–4 PM
Overview of statutory requirements, mapping goals, and what to expect from the process.
May 29 – Community Conversations
Get Tickets via Eventbrite
Nelsonville Public Library | 6–8 PM
Facilitated discussions on community identity, map-drawing constraints, and what matters most to residents.
June–July – Map Drawing and Feedback Sessions
Dates and locations to be announced. Check back soon or sign up for updates.
July – Presentation to Nelsonville City Council
Final map proposal presented for vote and public record.
Districting Criteria
What Makes a Fair Ward Map
The ward map must follow guidelines laid out in the Ohio Revised Code Section 731.06, which requires that:
“All wards shall be bounded, as far as practicable, by county lines, streets, alleys, lot lines, avenues, public grounds, canals, watercourses, municipal corporation lines, center lines of platted streets, or railroads, and shall be composed of adjacent and compact territory, and substantially equal in population.” – 731.06(D)
Get Involved
Your Voice Matters
Help shape the future of Nelsonville by joining the conversation:
✅ Attend a community meeting
✅ Create and submit your own ward map
✅ Share your feedback online
📍 Public Comment Portal →
🗺 Start Your Map on Dave's Redistricting App →
🧭 Use Our Nelsonville Template →
📘 Short Guide to Dave’s Redistricting App →
Tools & Resources
Explore Additional Materials
Contact
Trevor P. Martin, Program Coordinator, LWVO
tmartin@lwvohio.org (415) 871-8750
Debbie Schmieding, Co-President, LWVAC