A U.S. District Court judge Monday dismissed the two consolidated lawsuits seeking to halt creation of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistrict Commission.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says the work to seat the commission as constitutionally required is ongoing following an application period that drew more than 9,000 applications from all of Michigan’s 83 counties. Last month 200 semi-finalist applications were randomly selected and delivered to the Legislature for review during the month of July. In response to the court’s ruling, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued the following statement:
“The court sided with the overwhelming majority of Michigan voters who amended our state constitution to enable the people of the state to draw fair political districts. My office will continue to support the will of the people by carrying out the historic work to launch the commission in an apolitical and transparent manner.”
Michigan Attorney Genera Dana Nessel issued the following statement after a federal district court judge granted the State’s motions to dismiss two cases filed by individuals and the Michigan Republican Party challenging the constitutionality of Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission:
“This decision reaffirms exactly what our democracy demands: a fair process for the people of this state. In 2018, Michiganders made it abundantly clear that the integrity of our democracy should not be left up to those in positions of power looking to satisfy their own agenda. The Court’s decision today is historic for the people of this state and further solidifies their right to be heard.”
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