Columbus voters on Tuesday approved a measure expanding the number of members on City Council. The charter amendment backed by the city adds two seats to council and divides the city into wards, even though members will still be elected at-large.
Issue 3 passed with 75 percent of the vote, and takes effect in 2023. It was put on the ballot after Council rejected a measure brought by a citizens group that made council a 13 member body, and also sought to add campaign finance reforms. The city's Charter Review commission will draft three district proposals to submit to council for approval. In 2023, voters will elect the entire nine-member council, with the city clerk drawing straws to determine which members will serve four-year terms and which will serve two-year terms to maintain staggered terms.
