10/19/21 - Redistricting Commission Looking For Public Input

Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 6:46 AM

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission kicks off a round of public hearings Wednesday.

(9&10 News) - The independent commission tasked with redrawing Michigan’s political future is ready to get the public’s input on their work so far.

Last week, the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission selected their finalist maps that they now will tour the state with and get public input.

Thirteen Michiganders were randomly selected to serve as the redistricting commission but the idea is to include every citizen.

“We need the input from our citizens,” said MC Rothhorn, commission vice-chair, “It’s a citizen driven process.”

The number one goal is to avoid the gerrymandered maps of the past and create fair maps for the future. Previously the party in charge in the legislature drew the maps, usually helping to keep them in power.

“It’s not about the shape that makes it gerrymandered, it’s the process,” said Rothhorn.

Census data is the basis of the maps but now the commission needs the people to provide input.

“We’ve gotten numerous comments from the east side and the west side of the state that lakeside communities are a community of interest,” said Doug Clark, commissioner, “And that should be represented appropriately as we draw the maps. You can’t get that data out of the census but we get it out of the public.”

Balancing population with interest and demographics has dragged the process on.

“Frankly we’re doing this, everyone knows it’s complicated,” said Rothhorn, “Everyone knows that this mapping process is not easy and we have to hold a lot of complexity to get to accurate and fair.”

These maps will be used in 2022, giving candidates and clerks less than a year to prepare. That is if the commission meets their goal to be finished by year’s end.

“We’ve always had a time crunch because of the late release of the census,” said Clark, “We’ve been able to manage around it at this point.”

The five public hearings are scheduled for:

Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- TCF Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226
Thursday, Oct. 21, from 1—8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 48933
Friday, Oct. 22, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 49503
Monday, Oct. 25, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Treetops Resort, 3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord 49735
Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint 48503

All public hearings also are available online to view virtually via the MICRC YouTube Channel. Details are at michigan.gov/MICRC under “Meeting Notices & Materials.”

Michiganders can also make their voices heard by connecting with MICRC via:

Comments: There are two ways to provide comments on proposed maps through the Commission’s Online Public Comment Portal at michigan.gov/MICRC.

Call: Individuals can call 833-YOU-DRAW (833-968-3729) for more information.

For Help: Individuals can call 2-1-1 for assistance in registering to provide public comment. This service is available in over 200 languages and is ideal for individuals without internet access.

10/19/21 - Redistricting Commission Looking For Public Input

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