by Charlie Beall
On December 28th 2022, the inaugural Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission approved final maps, making history. Our 2022 Evaluation Project seeks to build a fact-based analysis of how Proposal 18-2 was implemented in the State of Michigan following its passage by 61% of voters in 2018. Following the completion of an exhaustive study, our team will publish specific, solution-oriented recommendations for improvement that can be incorporated between now and 2030. Finally, this project will produce outreach materials, free and publicly available, designed for advocates to use in Michigan and for out-of-state activists to learn from our reform.
Project Objectives:
- Protect – Identify ways to strengthen the implementation of Proposal 2
- Improve – Develop concrete, actionable steps for stakeholders and advocates to improve Michigan’s redistricting process
- Educate – Document and highlight key takeaways and learned lessons for educating the public and promoting anti-gerrymandering advocacy across the United States.
In addition to our work in evaluating the successes and challenges of implementing fair redistricting reform in our state, we are also evaluating VNP’s own work as civic educators and outreach partners during the 2020-2021 redistricting cycle.
Our internal deep-dive into our own Implementation program is led by volunteers Connie Cook, Sandy Sorini-Elser, Bridget Bly, and Jim Kosteva. Support is provided by VNP staffer Alyson Grigsby as well as by University of Michigan doctoral candidate Jake Hawes. Our report is expected this spring.