Random drawing of 200 semi-finalists for Redistricting Commision to be held today
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) has finished reviewing and processing the 9,367 completed and notarized applications submitted to serve on Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, with more than 2,000 applications processed within the last two weeks. On Wednesday an independent accounting firm will conduct the random drawing of the 200 semi-finalists for the commission.
The final days of the application window ending June 1 saw a surge of applications, including applicants from all 83 of Michigan’s counties.
Today’s random drawing will narrow the more than 9,000 applications down to 200 semi-finalists whose applications will be posted online. The drawing will begin at 10 a.m., and may last over an hour, while a computer conducts random draws of 200 applicants each until one of those draws meets the criteria required by the state constitution. The entire process will be viewable by livestream, and those interested in watching are encouraged to check MDOS social media accounts on Wednesday morning for the link to the livestream. Due to social distancing requirements, limited in-person viewing will be available in Lansing, and interested parties are asked to email redistricting@michigan.gov for more information.
Following the selection, the applications will be delivered to the Legislature, where leaders in both chambers and parties have the month of July to each strike up to 5 applicants from the pool, per the Michigan Constitution. The final selection for the 13 commissioners — 4 Republicans, 4 Democrats and 5 unaffiliated — will take place in August.
For a detailed breakdown of the final applicant pool, visit RedistrictingMichigan.org.
Ypsilanti mayor resigns after making racial remark
YPSILANTI, Mich. — A Michigan mayor resigned Tuesday, a week after she said she supported the appointment of a human relations commissioner only because she would be “crucified” if she voted against a Black person.
Former Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert said she was “deeply sorry” to have her tenure end on that note. She said as a result of her actions “there is healing to do to ensure that all residents, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, enjoy full equity” in the city.
The controversy began last week when the city council was voting on the reappointment of Ka’Ron Gaines to a commission that advises the council on eliminating prejudice and discrimination. Gaines’ inconsistent attendance record was raised by some council members. Bashert, who is white, voted in favor of his appointment but the others voted no, including three who are Black.
Basher said that “since I will be crucified if I vote against any Black person on any commission, I’m going to vote ‘yes.’”
Bashert subsequently apologized and said she was “deeply ashamed and saddened” by her remarks.
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