Political junkies across Michigan have been watching hours of public hearings on YouTube by the Independent Redistricting Commission that is redrawing Michigan’s legislative districts. This is the first time the newly created commission has redrawn the lines, after Michigan voters enacted a constitutional amendment changing the process. Many legislators didn’t consider redistricting two or four years ago when they made the decision to run for the state legislature. Now, their political futures are in the hands of these commissioners who are trying to weigh partisan balance, communities of interest (think regional similarities), and the federal voting rights act along, with a host of other factors.

When the maps are finalized, hopefully in early 2022, legislators across the state will be finalizing their decisions on what to do will with their political futures. Options will range from running for the Senate, attempting a congressional run or for some, remaining in the State House. The harsh reality is that for some legislators they will be forced into a primary election against a colleague. This will result in some awkwardness around Lansing for much of 2022. It is also possible that a member will be drawn into a legislative district that has a completely new political makeup, resulting in a much more difficult election, or a situation where they cannot win based on the political makeup of the new district lines.

Finally, for legislative staff, their livelihoods also depend on the outcomes of the 2022 elections. While their names are not on the ballot, and most of the public does not know them, they are as invested in this redistricting process as anyone.  For most staff, they are tireless public servants who spend hours trying to help Michigan residents navigate issues within state government. The results of the redistricting process will have a massive impact on all residents throughout the state.

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