The following can be attributed to Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians, on the appeal filed today by plaintiffs in the Daunt, et al v. Benson lawsuit:
“An overwhelming majority of Michigan voters cast their ballot to amend our state Constitution to bring fair maps to Michigan, yet a small group of politicians and special interests refuse to accept that,” said Nancy Wang, Executive Director of Voters Not Politicians. “We look forward to putting these meritless lawsuits behind us and focusing our time and resources on public education and outreach to maximize voter participation in the new redistricting process.”
Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff rejected the plaintiffs’ requests for preliminary injunction in two federal lawsuits filed by the Michigan Republican Party, opponents of the redistricting reform amendment, and others, finding that “Plaintiffs are unlikely to prevail on the merits of their constitutional claims” and that they would not suffer any irreparable injuries from the state’s continued efforts to implement the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Today’s filing by the Daunt plaintiffs appeals the District Judge’s decision.
“The district court judge found a high likelihood that we would succeed in protecting Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. We look forward to standing alongside Voters Not Politicians to ensure that voters’ voices are heard,” said Paul Smith, Vice President of the Campaign Legal Center.
The application process to serve on Michigan’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission opened on October 24, 2019, and will stay open through June 1, 2020. Last week, the Secretary of State’s office announced that 250,000 randomly selected Michigan registered voters will receive applications in their mailboxes in early January 2020.
###
Voters Not Politicians is a grassroots, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to supporting the successful implementation of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission overwhelmingly supported by Michigan voters and to strengthening democracy by engaging people across Michigan in effective citizen action. Learn more at www.votersnotpoliticians.com.
