LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Detroiters are encouraged to offer public input once again to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) as it prepares to reconfigure certain districts ahead of the election. 

The particular districts affecting future Michigan elections include: #1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 14, and will be the main subject of discussion next week at the in-person meetings next week in Detroit.

The Commission will meet in-person at the following Detroit locations:

  • Monday, January 22 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Huntington Place (formerly known as Cobo Hall).
  • Tuesday, January 23 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Huntington Place (formerly known as Cobo Hall).
  • Wednesday, January 24 from 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Cadillac Place.
  • Thursday, January 25 from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Cadillac Place.
  • Friday, January 26 from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Cadillac Place. 

MORE NEWS: Detroit Settles with Police and Fire Pension Board on 30-Year Plan for Deferred Payments

“This new redistricting process places a premium on public input,” emphasized Commissioner Cynthia Orton, MICRC chairperson. “We strongly encourage the public to sign-up to provide live or remote public comments. In addition, the public can provide comments through our portals located at the Commission’s website or mail us a letter.

How did the commission get here?

In late December, three federal judges ordered the group to redraw a number of districts that were deemed unconstitutional. 

“We enjoin the Secretary of State from holding further elections in these districts as they are currently drawn,” the opinion said. “And we will direct that the parties appear before this court in early January to discuss how to proceed with redrawing them.”

There were also changes in commission members ahead of the new year resulting in three new commissioners joining the group. 

Recent meetings highlight redistricting challenges.

Earlier this week, several commissioners were discussing new maps and were struggling to come to a consensus regarding several districts including predominantly Arab American districts such as Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. An attorney with the commission, Nate Fink, encouraged the commissioners to only make changes to the districts not struck down as “reasonably necessary.” 

The court wants minimal changes to surrounding districts, only as “reasonably necessary” as the commissioners redraw the lines according to Fink. 

How do I participate in a meeting?

MORE NEWS: Forgotten Heroes Finally Find Peace: 13 Unclaimed Veterans Laid to Rest in Holly Township

The Commission asks that the public sign-up for live, virtual, or written public comment using Public Comment Form here. Public comments will occur at the beginning of each meeting, and the sign up for in-person public comment will close when the public comment portion of the agenda ends at the meeting. 

“Sign-up for virtual or remote public comment will close one hour prior to the meeting start time,” according to the commission. “For in-person or virtual public comments, each person will have at least 90 seconds to speak.”

Those interested in seeing the mapping portals can access them here, and a copy of the agenda for each day can be found here.  

Huntington Place is located at One Washington Boulevard. Cadillac Place is located at 3044 W. Grand Boulevard. The commission will take a lunch break between 12:00-1:00 p.m. each day.