Sen. Ruth Johnson encourages public input on proposed redistricting commission application, guidelines

Sen. Ruth Johnson encourages public input on proposed redistricting commission application, guidelines

LANSING, Mich. — Senate Elections Committee Chair Ruth Johnson is encouraging Michigan residents to review and offer their thoughts on the proposed application language and eligibility guidelines for members of the new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

“Because communities’ populations change over time, every 10 years following the U.S. Census maps for congressional districts and state House and Senate districts are adjusted so that each district has about the same number of residents in it,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “The next redistricting process will be the first under a new citizen-led commission created by the passage of Proposal 2 last year.”

People can view the proposed application language and guidelines online at www.RedistrictingMichigan.org and submit their comments by email at [email protected]. The public comment period runs through Friday, Aug. 9.

“This is the first step in the process,” Johnson said. “I think it is important that people participate and share their thoughts. We should have a wide range of views represented.”

In 2018, Michigan voters amended the state constitution to create an independent redistricting commission to be composed of 13 registered voters: four who identify as Democrats, four who identify as a Republicans and five who identify as unaffiliated with either political party. The commission will redraw legislative district maps in Michigan following the 2020 census.

“The Senate Elections Committee will be watching the implementation of Proposal 2 very closely,” Johnson said. “I think we have an important oversight role to play. We want to ensure that the process is transparent and fair.”

The constitutional amendment charges the secretary of state’s office with developing and administering the application and selection process for the new commission. Applications will become available later this year for registered voters in Michigan who are interested in serving as commissioners.

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