Secretary of State and Voters Not Politicians comment on ruling to move forward Citizens Redistricting Commission

On April 15, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the 2018 voter-approved state approved constitutional amendment creating the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. In response, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued the following statement April 16:

“The federal court decision upholding the authority of Michiganders to amend their state constitution and create citizen-led districting is a victory for our citizens and our democracy. Our work to implement the will of our voters - and ensure fair, independent districts in our state - continues.”

More information and the online application to serve on the commission can be found at RedistrictingMichigan.org.

Voters Not Politicans spearheaded the ballot initiative that passed with a high percentage of votes.

On April 15, VNP Executive Director said, “Today, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the decision of the U.S. District Court and rejected an attempt by political insiders and the Michigan GOP to delay and dismantle Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

“This decision could not have come at a more critical time. Michigan is fewer than 50 days away from the end of the application window for voters to apply to serve on the Commission. The lawsuits were the opposition’s attempt to disrupt the new redistricting process at any cost. But the law prevailed.

“Over 4,000 applications to serve on Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission have been processed by the Secretary of State, and Voters Not Politicians will continue to do all that we can to get as many people as possible involved in our fair, impartial, and transparent redistricting process.

“Millions of voters said yes to fair redistricting and we will continue to raise our voices and fight back against the special interest groups who try to silence us.

“Today’s decision once again proves that ‘All political power is inherent in the people,’ just as the Michigan Constitution says.

“However, the fight is not over. The plaintiffs in the case may choose to appeal today’s decision and continue this meritless lawsuit. No matter what their next action is, we are ready to continue fighting to protect fair redistricting in Michigan.”