Michigan's Proposal 2 combats gerrymandering

Proposal 2 on the Michigan ballot establishes a commission that would have the authority to redraw district boundaries for state and federal offices.

Voters approved proposal 2 on Tuesday.

The proposal reads:

A proposed constitutional amendment to establish a commission of citizens with exclusive authority to adopt district boundaries for the Michigan Senate, Michigan House of Representatives, and U.S. Congress, every 10 years.

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

Create a commission of 13 registered voters randomly selected by the Secretary of State:

• 4 each who self-identify as affiliated with the 2 major political parties; and
• 5 who self-identify as unaffiliated with major political parties.

Prohibit partisan office holders and candidates, their employees, certain relatives, and lobbyists from serving as commissioners.

Establish new redistricting criteria including geographically compact and contiguous districts of equal population, reflecting Michigan's diverse population and communities of interest.

Districts shall not provide disproportionate advantage to political parties or candidates.

Require an appropriation of funds for commission operations and commissioner compensation.

The Secretary of State would oversee the commission of citizens to ensure it runs effectively.