The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission got to work last week. The Commission was formed in response to the passage of Proposal 2 in 2018. They began with virtual orientation and information gathering.
Michigan Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, said, “Michigan’s citizens made their desire to put democracy back in the hands of the people loud and clear when they overwhelmingly passed Proposal 2. This historic meeting is the culmination of years of citizen engagement, and months of work preparing to give our commissioners the tools they need to do this incredible work.”
The Commission is made up of four Republicans, four Democrats, and five members with no party affiliation. The members spent two days receiving instructions as to their duties and expectations and were presented with experts on the map making process.
Benson, a Democrat, keeps a public record of the process, but does not have a vote. During the preliminary meeting, the commission was charged with selecting a chairperson and determining their schedule. They have fourteen months to complete the redistricting process, with a November 1, 2021 deadline. The decisions will affect the 2022 election.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
