Farmers can participate in a series of public hearings to provide input for the state’s new redistricting process.
The newly formed Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will be meeting every Tuesday and Thursday through July 1 to seek public comment on the redistricting process. Hearings can be attended in person or virtually.
Every 10 years legislative district maps are redrawn to account for population changes in the census, said Matt Kapp, government relations specialist for Michigan Farm Bureau.
“In the past, the Legislature along with the governor drew the maps. However, in 2018, voters approved an independent commission to draw new redistricting lines,” Kapp said. “The makeup of the commission includes five Independents, four Republicans, and four Democrats.”
The commission is responsible for drawing new district maps for the U.S. House, state senate, and state house.
Kapp said definite changes are coming to Michigan’s U.S. congressional delegation as the state will lose a seat based on Michigan’s population compared to the rest of the country.
“Our population is not growing as fast as everyone else,” he said. “So even though our population increased in the last census, we're still going to lose a seat. We don't want to lose a seat because the more members of Congress we have, the more Michigan's interests are being represented. Additionally, with the lost seat, Michigan will also lose one Electoral College vote.”
Farmers can use the Commission’s Public Comment Portal to submit a suggested map, provide written testimony, or comment on other map submissions. Kapp said Farm Bureau policy supports compact, contiguous districts with as few breaks in township and county lines as possible.
Read the public comments submitted by Michigan Farm Bureau here.
He encourages the commission to keep a township and county in one district.
“This is an extraordinary moment for all Michiganders to get involved and ensure the fair representation,” Sarah Reinhardt, an analyst for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, wrote in an email to Michigan Farm News.
“It is critical that Michigan Farm Bureau members and community, and all Michiganders, participate in this transparent, citizen-led process.”
According to Kapp, MFB continues to monitor the redistricting process as it affects who will serve in government the next 10 years.
“Keep in mind that whatever the maps look like, one thing will not change, and that’s the need for farmers to step up and serve in government,” Kapp said. “We will always need farmers to represent agriculture by serving in government positions.”
Here’s a schedule of the remaining meetings:
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center
5121 Bay City Road
Midland, MI 48642
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Lansing Center
333 E. Michigan Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Dort Financial Center
3501 Lapeer Road
Flint, MI 48503
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Ford Community and Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Ave.
Dearborn, MI 48126
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48374
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Centerpoint Marriott
3555 Centerpoint Parkway
Pontiac, MI 48341
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
The Village Dome at Fellowship Chapel
7707 W. Outer Drive
Detroit, MI 48235
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
TCF Center
1 Washington Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Blue Water Convention Center
800 Harker St.
Port Huron, MI 48060
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
MRCC Banquet Center
23401 Mound Road
Warren, MI 48901
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
VanDyke Mortgage Convention Center
939 Third St.
Muskegon, MI 49440
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Start Time: 6 p.m.
DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503