Michigan has implemented a unique experiment in governance by assigning the task of drawing election districts to a group of citizens chosen by lot. This departure from the traditional method of redistricting, which is typically controlled by partisan state legislatures, aims to combat partisan gerrymandering. The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, created in 2018, randomly selected its 13 members from a pool of eligible applicants. These citizens, with no special qualifications, then created election districts that were used in the 2022 election cycle. The outcome of the elections suggests that the commission achieved its goal of eliminating partisan gerrymandering, as Democratic candidates won a majority of the votes and seats in both the Michigan Senate and House for the first time since 1984. However, a federal district court later ruled that the commission violated the U.S. Constitution by diluting the voting power of Black voters in certain districts. The commission has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court and is working to redraw the districts.
The Michigan experiment draws inspiration from the ancient Athenian democracy, where most government officials were selected at random from eligible citizens. The Athenians believed that the random selection of officials was a hallmark of democracy, although some positions, such as the generals, were elected rather than chosen by lot. The Michigan experiment reflects a similar belief in the ability of ordinary citizens to fulfill political functions traditionally reserved for elected officials. While the random selection of citizens to fill government office is uncommon today, it has gained traction in the context of redistricting, with eight states assigning the task to independent commissions.
The success of the Michigan redistricting commission in eliminating partisan gerrymandering has been overshadowed by a legal challenge to its maps. A federal district court ruled that the commission violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution by diluting the voting power of Black voters in certain districts. The commission has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the court denied their request for a stay, requiring them to redraw the districts. The commission is now working to meet the deadline for redrawing the districts, as the candidate filing deadline is approaching. This legal challenge highlights the complexities of the redistricting process and the importance of ensuring fair representation for all citizens, particularly marginalized communities.
In conclusion, the Michigan experiment of assigning the task of redistricting to a group of citizens chosen by lot represents a departure from the traditional method of partisan control. While the commission achieved success in eliminating partisan gerrymandering and allowing for more balanced representation in the 2022 elections, it has faced a legal challenge regarding the dilution of Black voters’ voting power. This challenge underscores the need for careful consideration and expertise in the redistricting process to ensure fair representation for all citizens. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the future of the Michigan redistricting commission and the impact of its unique approach to governance.
