Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) Memo #1 — Initial Analysis of Public Comments on 2024 Remediated Senate Maps in Southeast Michigan
This memo provides an initial summary of CLOSUP analysis of public comments submitted to the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) in spring 2024 as part of the effort to draw new maps in Southeast Michigan as directed by a federal court. The full summary will be available in a subsequent memo.
Key findings
- Data: 217 public comments on MICRC revised maps addressing 1011 specific points from March 21 to May 21, 2024.
- Most common concerns: 1. Keep jurisdictions whole, 2. Communities of Interest (COIs) whole
- Wayne: Protect African American, Downriver, and MENA COIs. Avoid diluting Detroit’s voting power with suburbs. Keep Romulus and Dearborn whole.
- Oakland: Protect Chaldean COI in Rochester and Troy. Keep southeast Oakland townships whole and together.
- Macomb: Protect Chaldean COI in Sterling Heights. Keep townships and cities like Warren and the Lakeshore communities whole and separate from Detroit.
- Partisan Fairness: Maintain fair and competitive elections. Keep process transparent.
- CLOSUP team suggestion: Encouraging more specific public comments, including preferences for draft maps, proposed changes, and rationales.