Redistricting in Michigan: Should politicians choose their voters?

The League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area will host an educational Town Hall on redistricting. The presentation will explore how legislative lines are drawn in Michigan, who draws them and why it is a critically important question for those concerned about fair representation. 

In Michigan, district lines are drawn by elected officials in the legislature, effectively allowing politicians to choose their voters and giving the political party in power at the time a tremendous advantage. What are the ramifications of partisan drawn districts that favor one party over another? Is there a better and fairer way to do this? What are the alternatives?

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision on Arizona’s Independent Restricting Commission said there is an alternative and that citizens, not just politicians, have the right to decide how Congressional district lines are drawn. The decision has grabbed the public’s attention. Some have asked if Michigan, like Arizona, should use an independent commission to draw the lines, not only for the Congressional Districts, but for the State House and Senate, as well. This alternative and others will be presented at the Town Hall.  

Sponsored by:
League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area
League of Women Voters of Michigan

Co-Sponsors:
Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP)
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Domestic Policy Corps (DPC)

• League of Women Voters
• Michigan
• elections
• redistricting