Opportunity still exists for Michiganders to help shape Michigan’s Federal and State political boundaries for next 10 years by phone, online and attending public hearings in person or via Zoom in Detroit on Oct. 20, Lansing on Oct. 21, Grand Rapids on Oct. 22, Gaylord on Oct.25 and Flint on Oct. 26
LANSING – The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) today announced details for the second round of public hearings that – for the first time in state history – give Michiganders a voice in helping shape the state’s political boundaries for the next 10 years based on its new Federal and State legislative district maps.
At each public hearing, the MICRC established an onsite Public Portal Station with volunteers to increase public participation, added monitors to enhance viewing of draft proposed maps and will provide technical assistance in displaying information available on the Public Comment Portal or Mapping Portal for Michigan residents to reference during their public comments.
“These public hearings in October are critical to ensure mapping fairness and citizen input,” MICRC Chairperson Rebecca Szetela said.
“Our goal from these hearings is for the Commission to gain knowledge and insights from the public to enable us to continue to refine and improve our draft maps to satisfy the seven-ranked redistricting criteria as outlined in Michigan’s Constitution,” Szetela added.
Szetala’s comments came during a virtual press conference today where MICRC members discussed the public hearing and map-making process moving forward. A recording of the press conference can be viewed on the MICRC YouTube channel and Facebook page.
The five public hearings are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- TCF Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit 48226
- Thursday, Oct. 21, from 1—8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 48933
- Friday, Oct. 22, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Amway Grand Plaza, 187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 49503
- Monday, Oct. 25, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Treetops Resort, 3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord 49735
- Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 1-8:00 p.m., recess from 3:30-5:00 p.m.
- Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint 48503
All public hearings also are available online to view virtually via the MICRC YouTube Channel. Details are at michigan.gov/MICRC under “Meeting Notices & Materials.”
Michiganders can also make their voices heard by connecting with MICRC via:
Comments: There are two ways to provide comments on proposed maps through the Commission’s Online Public Comment Portal at michigan.gov/MICRC.
Call: Individuals can call 833-YOU-DRAW (833-968-3729) for more information.
For Help: Individuals can call 2-1-1 for assistance in registering to provide public comment. This service is available in over 200 languages and is ideal for individuals without internet access.
Mail: MICRC, P.O. Box 30318, Lansing, MI 48909
