Campaign to End Partisan Gerrymandering Hits Major Milestone

LANSING – Voters Not Politicians celebrated the work of its all-volunteer grassroots army of petition circulators last week after the Board of State Canvassers placed on the Nov. 6 ballot the proposal to provide transparent, non-partisan process for redistricting. The process would include a commission of citizens drawing legislative and congressional lines.
"From day one, the heart and soul of our campaign has been our volunteers. We are truly a campaign for and by the people of our state," said Katie Fahey, founder and executive director of Voters Not Politicians. "We owe all our success to their hard work collecting more than 425,000 signatures in just 110 days. We will win in November thanks to their passion and willingness to spread the word about the need for redistricting reform to make Michigan's government work for its people, not its politicians."
The Board of State Canvassers voted 3-0 to certify the Voters Not Politicians proposal in a brief meeting today. The board was following orders issued by the and Court of Appeals.
A three-judge panel of the Appeals Court ruled unanimously on June 7 that a complaint by pro-gerrymandering organization "Citizens Protecting Michigan's Constitution" was "without merit" and ordered the Board of State Canvassers and Secretary of State to put the measure before voters. The pro-gerrymandering group then asked the Michigan Supreme Court for permission to block that order while it appealed the decision. The Supreme Court refused to do so.
"We fully expect the Supreme Court will concur with the Court of Appeals that the pro-gerrymandering campaign to keep the Voters Not Politicians proposal off the ballot is without merit," said Fahey. "We look forward to being on the ballot in November, and giving voters a chance to change our current system, where politicians and lobbyists operate behind closed doors to draw district lines for partisan gain. Our polling and our volunteer signature collection and canvassing results show Michigan voters support our plan for a transparent, non-partisan, Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission."
Fahey went on to mention her thoughts on the importance of having district lines drawn by constituents.
"Voters know our state has some serious problems. Our roads are crumbling, our education system needs reform and in many communities, water isn't safe to drink. This proposal is an important first step toward fixing our state so we can elect officials who are accountable to solve problems," Fahey said. "Today is gratifying recognition of the amazing work by our volunteers. We salute them, and look forward to informing the people of Michigan about the need to vote yes for redistricting reform in November."
Voters Not Politicians is a nonpartisan, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to passing a state constitutional amendment to end partisan gerrymandering by taking politicians and lobbyists out of the redistricting process and putting Michigan citizens in charge. Learn more at votersnotpoliticians.com.