The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is currently working on draft maps of the state House and state Senate districts. There are seven criteria before the commission. But, for this first draft, the MICRC is largely focused on just half of the first criteria: creating districts of equal population.
So far the MICRC has drawn 50 of the 110 state House districts and 21 of the 38 state Senate districts. The MICRC's drafts feature more Republican seats than the old Republican gerrymanders. They once again pack Democrats into cities.
Public Comment:
Ask the commission to prioritize partisan fairness when mapping. Tell the commission to draw districts with as close to zero political bias as possible. We want to see commissioners mapping with partisan data in front of them so that they can evaluate partisan fairness throughout this process.
Adhere to the 7 criteria outlined by Prop 2, and listed in order of importance. The commission is too focused on creating compact districts and keeping townships, cities, and counties together. Those criteria are listed at the bottom of the list after communities of interest and partisan fairness.
We do not expect to see perfectly square legislative districts. Cities and precincts are not square. Thus, we don’t expect their maps to be either. In the past politicians justified oddly shaped districts for the purpose of creating partisan gerrymanders. We should be able to allow oddly shaped districts in the name of creating partisan fairness.
If the MICRC packs Democrats in cities, they will create another Republican gerrymandered map. Splitting cities is necessary to achieve partisan fairness and keep give adequate representation to all people of Michigan. Keeping cities together packs Democrats and marginalizing our voices.
The MICRC is currently rotating its meetings between Lansing and Detroit with several college campus stops scheduled in September. There are currently only 10 more days of mapping scheduled. Now is the time to weigh in! You can find a full schedule of meetings at the MDP’s redistricting toolkit.
Provide public comment to the commission by:
Attending a meeting in person. (see public notices of upcoming meetings)
Give public comment at the meeting.
Give public comment via zoom.
Submit public comments through the online portal.
Provide comment on the process or partisan fairness.
Provide a map highlighting a community of interest for the commission to consider.
Please reach out with questions about redistricting or how to submit a public comment or COI map to Emily Boyer, eboyer@michigandems.com.