The League Announces Potential Settlement of Gerrymandering Lawsuit

LANSING, MI—The League of Women Voters of Michigan and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson today filed a motion for approval of a consent decree which would settle the League’s gerrymandering case by requiring the redrawing of 11 state house districts under federal court supervision ahead of 2020 elections. 

“We are pleased that this case has taken this positive step. If approved by the court the impact of this settlement will go far beyond just those Michigan voters in the redrawn districts and shows the power of compromise,” said Judy Karandjeff, President of the League of Women Voters of Michigan.  

The League is represented by the Faegre Baker Daniels and Goodman Acker law firms.  

“This has been a long, hard fight. Settlement negotiations are rarely easy, but we are satisfied with the terms and hopeful that the court will approve this settlement,” said Mark Brewer, attorney with Goodman Acker in Michigan.  

If this settlement is approved by the court, 11 state house districts will be redrawn to fairly represent voters—that’s one more step toward making sure voters are picking their politicians, and not the other way around.

“Secretary Benson’s willingness to settle this case is a key step in putting power back where it belongs, in the hands of the people—further protecting our democracy and the basic right of the vote,” said Jay Yeager, Senior Counsel at Faegre, Baker, Daniels in Indiana. 

If approved this settlement will correct the gerrymandering that occurred in many of Michigan’s most vulnerable districts. The deal now requires approval by the three-judge panel overseeing the case.

Contact: Sarah Courtney | 202-263-1332 | [email protected]