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What is the Michigan Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission?

The Michigan Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, created when voters approved a 2018 constitutional amendment, is tasked with dividing MI into voting districts for state and federal elections, beginning with the 2022 elections. The Commission will review the districts every 10 years and adjust, or "redistrict," as needed based on the latest U.S. Census data and other specific criteria.

The Redistricting Commission is composed of 13 registered MI voters randomly selected from a pool of applicants; four members who affiliate with the Republican Party, four who affiliate with the Democratic Party, and five who do not affiliate with either party.  

Why was the Commission created?

Previously, every 10 years, following the census, the political party in control of the state legislature at the time controlled the redistricting process. This situation resulted in gerrymandering, which happens when the political party in charge of redistricting manipulates the boundaries of the districts to gain an unfair advantage in future elections. Michigan has recently had some of the most gerrymandered districts in the country. The Independent Citizens Redistricting Committee was approved by Michigan voters as a way to end gerrymandering. 

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