Whether it was confusion over ballot language or truly a desire to maintain the system already in place, Ohio voters on Tuesday rejected an amendment that would have established a citizen-led commission to produce the state’s political maps. Though voters decided the Citizens Not Politicians effort was not the right way forward, it must not mean advocates give up the fight for a system that produces fair and constitutional voting maps.

“In analyzing the vote tonight, it is clear that the millions of Ohioans who voted yes want to end gerrymandering,” former Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor, who helped lead the effort, said.

There are those who simply think the terribly flawed Ohio Redistricting Commission should be replaced with a different alternative. In fact, Gov. Mike DeWine said he will pursue his own proposed alternative next year. He must.

The commission defiantly refused to do its job on multiple occasions because its members understood there would be no consequences for ignoring orders to redraw maps that were found to have been unconstitutionally gerrymandered to favor Republicans. DeWine is a member of the commission, though he agrees the maps shouldn’t be drawn by politicians. If he’s got a better idea, he must waste no time putting it in motion.

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

Antonio is correct. The desire for fair, constitutional political maps is not a partisan issue. It’s a desire of ALL Ohioans. DeWine and others must not delay in renewing the effort to make the maps fairly serve us, rather than one party.