Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is encouraging residents to take part in upcoming public sessions of the Michigan Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission (MICRC) to redraw seven state house districts.
Benson made the pleas yesterday after the U.S. Supreme Court denied the commission’s request for a stay, pending appeal, in the Agee v. Benson case challenging the legislative maps drawn by the Commission and implemented in the 2022 statewide elections.
"All Michigan citizens deserve a government that works for them and reflects our state’s vibrant diverse communities and perspectives,” Benson said. "As the state’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission gets to work redrawing legislative districts in southeast Michigan, I hope all citizens will actively participate and provide their input throughout the commission’s upcoming open meetings.”
At the request of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Secretary of State filed a brief that laid out administrative considerations for redrawing legislative maps to ensure the election can be conducted successfully.
As stated in the brief, Benson “declined to place her thumb on the scale regarding the constitutionality of the state legislative plans.”
Rather, the secretary laid out timelines and procedures necessary to ensure successful administration of the August 2024 primary election. Without consideration of these timelines, there was concern that voters would be whipsawed by quick changes in district boundaries and confuse broader public understanding of which candidates are seeking to represent which voters.
In-person meetings:
Monday, Jan. 22 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Huntington Place, Ballroom A 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226
Tuesday, Jan. 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Huntington Place, Ballroom A 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226
Wednesday, Jan. 24 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L150 3044 West Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202
Thursday, Jan. 25 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L150 3044 West Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202
Friday, Jan. 26 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L150 3044 West Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202
Virtual meetings:
Monday, Jan. 29 – Thursday, Feb. 1
All meetings are open for public participation online via Zoom and on the commission’s YouTube channel.
Details are available at Michigan.gov/MICRC under the “Meeting Notices and Materials” section.
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