League of Women Voters of Michigan files brief in support of redistricting deadline extension

Extension ensures fair Congressional, legislative maps

LANSING, MI – Today the League of Women Voters of Michigan filed an amicus brief with the Michigan Supreme Court in support of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission’s proposed extended timeline for adopting final redistricting plans. 

The League supports the Commission’s proposal of adopting final plans for new congressional and legislative districts by January 25 instead of the current November 1 deadline. 

“Extending the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission’s deadline would ensure the Commission has all of the information it needs to draw fair, non-gerrymandered Congressional and legislative maps,” said Christina Schlitt, president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan. “We must allow this important democratic, citizen-led process to work by giving the Commission the time it needs.” 

“It is important that states work with commissioners now to ensure that they have all the resources needed and adequate time to draw fair maps,” said Demetrius Fisher, national campaign manager of People Powered Fair Maps^TM, the League of Women Voters’ redistricting reform program. “The League hopes to see equitable maps drawn in Michigan this cycle – and extending the deadline to draw maps is the only way to ensure the commission has the time to do its job.” 

The redistricting commission asked the Michigan Supreme Court for a deadline extension due to a delay in obtaining needed Census Bureau data caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The brief can be accessed here.

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PRESS CONTACT: LaQuita Howard | 202-843-0573 | [email protected]