The decision on whether voters will decide to overhaul how Michigan draws congressional and legislative districts is now before the state Supreme Court.
The business-backed group fighting the campaign says the proposed amendment to the state constitution is too sweeping and complex to be decided as a ballot question. The group Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution asked the Supreme Court to block any action on the proposal while the case is argued.
Katie Fahey with Voters Not Politicianswants a decision to place the question on the ballot as soon as possible.
“We are planning to have our legal team vigorously oppose this latest effort by the pro-gerrymandering groups.”
The Voters Not Politicians proposal would shift responsibility for drawing district lines from the Legislature to an independent commission. However, the group Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution has filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court and asked the justices to put an immediate hold on the lower court decision that would place the question on the November ballot.
The group asked the Supreme Court to act before the Board of State Canvassersschedules its next meeting to comply with the order. Now, it’s up to the Supreme Court justices to decide whether to grant the motion while they decide whether to take the case, or let the question go to the ballot.
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— Rick Pluta is the Managing Editor and Reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
