In the November, 2018 mid-term election Michigan voters approved (by a more than 3-to-2 margin) Proposal 2 to change the way the state's political lines are drawn. So . . . what happens now?

The initiative will amend Michigan's constitution to create a 13-member independent citizens' redistricting commission, composed of four Republicans, four Democrats and five people who don't identify with either party. The new commission will first draw lines for the 2022 election, using data from the 2020 census. Court challenges are likely.

By 1 Dec. 2019 the Michigan Legislature must appropriate money for the commission, including pay for its members of at least $39,825 each. The commission will convene every 10 years and will disband after resolution of any legal challenges to its redistricting plan.

By 1 January 2020, the Secretary of State must circulate commissioner's applications. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2020, and the 13…