Secretary Benson banner




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Jan. 22, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

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*Secretary Benson encourages Michiganders to participate in public redistricting process *

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"U.S. Supreme Court rules that Michigan?s court-ordered legislative map redrawing for seven state House districts must move forward"

*LANSING, Mich. ?* Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson encouraged Michiganders to take part in upcoming public sessions of the Michigan Independent Citizen?s Redistricting Commission (MICRC) to redraw seven state house districts.

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Earlier this afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Michigan Independent Citizen?s Redistricting Commission?s request for a stay, pending appeal, in the "Agee v. Benson" case challenging the legislative maps drawn by the Commission and implemented in the 2022 statewide elections.

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"All Michigan citizens deserve a government that works for them and reflects our state?s vibrant diverse communities and?perspectives,* Secretary**?Benson said*. "As the state?s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission gets to work redrawing legislative districts in southeast Michigan, I hope all citizens will actively participate and provide their input throughout the Commission?s upcoming open meetings. ?I fully expect the Commission will listen closely to citizen input and incorporate it into the newly independently drawn districts. My commitment to maintaining fair and secure elections remains steadfast, and I look forward to working with our clerks in the months ahead to ensure everyone is ready and prepared to administer safe and accessible elections this year."

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At the request of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Secretary of State filed a brief that laid out administrative considerations for redrawing legislative maps to ensure the election can be conducted successfully. As stated in the brief, the Secretary ?declined to place her thumb on the scale regarding the constitutionality of the state legislative plans.? Rather, the Secretary laid out timelines and procedures necessary to ensure successful administration of the August 2024 primary election. Without consideration of these timelines, there was concern that voters would be whipsawed by quick changes in district boundaries and confuse broader public understanding of which candidates are seeking to represent which voters.

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*_MICRC Public Engagement Sessions_*

*"In-person meetings"*:


* Monday, Jan. 22 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Huntington Place, Ballroom A 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226

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* Tuesday, Jan. 23 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Huntington Place, Ballroom A 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226

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* Wednesday, Jan. 24 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L150 3044 West Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202

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* Thursday, Jan. 25 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L150 3044 West Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202

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* Friday, Jan. 26 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L150 3044 West Grand Blvd., Detroit 48202

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*"Virtual meetings"*:

Monday, Jan. 29 ? Thursday, Feb. 1

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All meetings are open for public participation online via Zoom and on the Commission?s YouTube channel. Details are available at?*Michigan.gov/MICRC* [ [link removed] ]?under the ?Meeting Notices and Materials? section.

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Visit?*Michigan.gov/MICRC?* [ [link removed] ]to learn more.

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