LWV discusses redistricting proposal for Michigan

Katherine Redwine, president of the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area, answers questions at Monday's Redistricting in Michigan forum. (John Kennett/ jkennett@mdn.net) Katherine Redwine, president of the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area, answers questions at Monday's Redistricting in Michigan forum. (John Kennett/ jkennett@mdn.net) Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close LWV discusses redistricting proposal for Michigan 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

As the country approaches the 2020 Census, redistricting, commonly known as "gerrymandering," has become an issue in Michigan. Monday evening, the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area (LWV) hosted a forum on "Redistricting in Michigan" at Creative 360.

LWV-Midland President Katherine Redwine led the forum before an anti-gerrymandering crowd of about 50 people.

"The party that controls the legislature controls redistricting," Redwine said of the Michigan process.

The U.S. Constitution requires each state to redraw district lines every 10 years, following each census. Most states, 26 including Michigan, require the legislature to determine those boundaries. For Michigan that means a simple majority in the Michigan House and Senate, along with the governor's signature, determine the district map for 10 years.

"The vast majority of districts are not competitive. Besides the elections, redistricting impacts policies," Redwine said. "The party in power meets behind closed doors and draws voting maps that directly benefit itself."

ALSO SEE: Republicans say Dems behind redistricting plan

In Michigan, a group called Voters Not Politicians has launched a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution. The VNP ballot proposal would form an Independent Citizens Redistrict Commission (ICRC), composed of four Democrats, four Republicans and five independents. Political insiders (politicians, consultants and lobbyists) would be banned from serving on the commission.

The ICRC would be required to conduct its meetings in public. To determine district boundaries, a minimum of two Republicans, two Democrats and two Independents must approve the final maps. The LWV supports the position of the VNP.

"We think the rules should be fair, transparent and impartial," Redwine said.

Currently, they have submitted 450,000 signatures, well above the 315,654 valid signatures needed for the proposal to be on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The next district outlines will be drawn in 2021 following the 2020 census and the November 2020 general election.

For more information on the LWV stance on redistricting, visit: lwvmi.org/issues/redistricting.html