Columbus' ballot Issues 8 and 9 explained

Columbus voters have a big choice to make this November, with two measures on the ballot looking to overhaul City Council. The current system, approved by voters in 2018, has faced a lot of disapproval, with critics and even some council members calling it "stupid," "wacky," and "confusing." Both Issue 8 and Issue 9 want to change who gets to vote for which council member and one of the proposals could even add new seats to the mix. Issue 8 is a simple, one-page amendment started by a grassroots citizen group. It would change the rules, so you only vote for the council member representing your specific district. Issue 9 was put on the ballot by the city council itself. It is a longer, six-page measure that does the exact same thing as Issue 8, but adds more elements: Issue 9 would expand the council by adding four new at-large members that everyone in the city votes for. Issue 9 would also trigger a redrawing of the city's district map in 2028 and change how many signatures candidates need to get on the ballot. We're having an in-depth conversation about Issues 8 and 9 on this hour of All Sides. Guests: George Shillcock, reporter, WOSU Public Media Will Petrik, campaign manager, Our City Our Say Rob Dorans, president pro tempore/District 3 Representative, Columbus City Council