LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After months of work, the Michigan Independent Redistricting Commission approved a newly redrawn state House map to be submitted for court adoption, pending a federal judicial review.
What happened?
In a 10-3 vote in the second round of voting on Wednesday, the Commission selected and approved the map titled “Motown Sound FC E1” which makes adjustments to House Districts 1-14 and a change to District 16.
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Out of the 13 member commission, all the Democrat members voted in favor, as well as four independent commissioners and two Republicans.
Chairwoman and Member Brittni Kellom (Democrat) shared her thoughts on the map.
“Unless it wasn’t genuine, but I know that it was, I think that the moments we shared together whether you were virtual or in person, but particularly in person, you felt the momentum, the ah ha moments, and it was around Motown Sound,” she explained during Wednesday’s Commission meeting, adding, “What I heard collectively was a resounding voice for Motown Sound map.”
Judges ruled the original maps violated the U.S. Constitution.
The proposed map comes after a multitude of meetings that the Redistricting Committee held to address judges’ decision that the original maps had violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution in December, demanding that the commission adjust more than a dozen districts ahead of the spring special election.
Though admitting she liked the Motown Sound Map, Vicechair and Commissioner Rebecca Szetela (Independent), shared how there were some changes she would have liked to have seen addressed.
“I wish we could have agreed to make those changes to [districts] 16, 17, and 18 because I would have considered voting for it if those changes had been made,” she said.
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Motown Sound FC E1 was chosen out of the 11 proposed maps that the commission has created.
What’s next?
The map will be evaluated by the court, but could be rejected if it is determined unconstitutional again. From there, the court will look to the court appointed special master’s recommended map.
Following the December ruling, the commission must also redraw half a dozen Senate maps, but has before the 2026 elections to address them.
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