Applications pouring in to serve on Michigan's redistricting commission
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- State officials say 3,000 people have already applied to be on the panel that will re-draw Michigan’s legislative districts. Applications have been online for a week and Tuesday Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson held an event in Traverse City to promote participation.
The redistricting commission was approved by Michigan voters last year and will be made up of 13 randomly chosen members.
Benson says it will include four Democrats, four Republicans and five people not affiliated with either party.
Each member will get a $40,000 salary.
“Time and time again, not just in Michigan but nationwide we've too often seen districts drawn to benefit one political party or the other and, in some ways, rig the outcome of the election to benefit one party or the other,” said Jocelyn Benson Michigan’s Secretary of State. “So that all ends now in Michigan with this commission. It puts citizens in charge of drawing district lines which will guarantee that they are more fair, impartial, and competitive than ever before."
The only requirement is that you must be a registered voter in Michigan.
The state will be hosting several workshops across the state to explain the process and a public awareness campaign that will include TV ads.
According to the Michigan Department of State, a third-party, independent accounting firm called Rehmann Group will administer random selections used throughout the process of forming the commission.
The deadline to apply is June 1st of 2020.
200 semifinalists will be announced on July 1st.
