For years, Michigan’s political maps have favored Republicans. A consultant who drew them says that has allowed candidates to focus more on primaries, giving rise to extreme candidates and hyperpartisanship.
Michigan redistricting
Posted inMichigan Government
Meet the 13 residents who will draw Michigan’s new political districts
Two years after voters approved an amendment to wrest decennial district-making from politicians, the Michigan Secretary of State announces the 13 (mostly) ordinary citizens charged with ending gerrymandering. Most have little political experience.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP’s advantage wanes in last year of Michigan ‘historical’ gerrymander
Michigan’s political districts are some of the nation’s most notorious gerrymanders. But the maps drawn to give the GOP an advantage are facing their final election, complicating the party’s effort to reclaim a majority in Congress and maintain its edge in the state Legislature.
Posted inMichigan Government
Federal judge dismisses GOP case against Michigan redistricting commission
The case is the latest in a number of legal victories for the new commission for drawing voting district lines in Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Government
Pool of 200 selected for new Michigan commission to end gerrymandering
Michigan’s first redistricting commission should take shape in August, after legislative leaders strike up to 20 people from the panel. Voters in 2018 opted to form the commission after years of complaints about gerrymandering.
Posted inMichigan Government
Court denies Republicans’ bid to halt Michigan’s redistricting commission
A panel of three federal judges determined two GOP challenges to the state’s redistricting commission don’t stand a chance.
Posted inMichigan Government
Thousands want to draw Michigan’s political districts. Most are white men.
A new independent redistricting panel has attracted 6,000 volunteers, but Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says they don’t yet reflect Michigan’s demographic and geographic diversity.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan earned an 'F' in government integrity. Help us do better
“Like our fight to end gerrymandering, a successful accountability campaign will require a robust, citizen-led effort,” writes the executive director of Voters Not Politicians.
Posted inMichigan Government
Judge rejects GOP bid to delay Michigan redistricting commission
In a blow to Republicans, U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff said delaying implementation of a voter-approved redistricting commission law would be a “drastic action” not warranted by lawsuit claims.
Posted inMichigan Government
Beyond term limits: 5 ‘good government’ ideas eyed by Michigan reformers
An unlikely alliance of Voters Not Politicians and GOP leaders are discussing opening public records access laws, lobbying reforms, personal financial disclosures, ethics oversight and limitations on aggressive legislating during the state’s so-called lame-duck session.