Michigan has new legislative districts!
The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission voted Dec. 28 to adopt the Linden state Senate map, the Hickory state House map, and the Chestnut congressional map. Barring any lawsuits that force changes, these maps will be in effect for the 2022 election.
This is the first time citizens in Michigan have drawn maps instead of the Legislature, due to the 2018 passage of Prop 2 which set up the independent commission to handle redistricting after each 10-year census.
“These maps are not perfect. They still tilt a little too much toward Republicans, but they are far better than what the Republican-dominated Legislature would have drawn for us. They could mean some big changes for parts of Livingston County,” said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party.
“For example, instead of having just two state House representatives, Livingston County will be represented by four House members. And we will share three of those House members with surrounding areas which constitute part of our communities of interest – places where Livingston County residents commute for jobs, school, health care, dining out, recreational opportunities, and cultural events. They make much more sense than arbitrary county lines drawn more than a century ago.
“We look forward to competing under the new maps and offering Democratic ideas for protecting people’s health, our environment, and our children.”
Daubenmier said the party has already identified potential candidates for some areas but interested people may contact the party at livcodems@gmail.com to learn more about what opportunities are available.
(Paid for by Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee, 8028 Grand River, Woodland Plaza Suite 7, Brighton, MI 48114. Labor donated.)