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MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters of Marquette County affirms its belief and commitment to diversity and pluralism. We recognize that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and representative decision making, and we subscribe to the belief that diversity and pluralism are fundamental to the values it upholds. Inclusiveness enhances the organization’s ability to respond more effectively to changing conditions and needs. Read the League of Women Voters of Michigan Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy here. Definitions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as they apply to the League’s policy can be found here.
Latest News & Events
VOTE – Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 Election – VOTE
Online or By Mail Registration Deadline: Monday, April 19, 2021
In Person Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 4, 2021
For details on the Humboldt, Richmond and West Branch township millages visit Current Elections
Visit vote411.org
Michigan Redistricting News
Michigan Redistricting: Communities of Interest
Save the Date May 18th Public Hearing
2021 is a historic year. Every 10 years in coordination with the Census, states draw new lines for federal and state legislative districts. The particular significance of this year’s decennial process is that voters, not partisan legislators, will be drawing the lines. In November 2018, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment that established criteria for the creation of a Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC). Any registered voter could apply to be on the MICRC, and 4 Republican, 4 Democrat and 5 Independent members were randomly chosen to make up the body of 13. The MICRC has been meeting since September to carry out the task of redistricting. Another major change to legislative redistricting in Michigan was the addition of redistricting criteria. In addition to compliance with federal law and a requirement that all districts be contiguous, it is now mandated that districts must reflect the state’s diverse populations by considering “Communities of Interest.” (COIs)
Key characteristics of a COI are populations:
- that share cultural or historical characteristics or economic interests;
- are within a contiguous area on a map; and
- share of common bond linked to a set of public policy issues that could be affected by legislation.
It is hoped that the use of COIs as one of the bases for redistricting:
- will lead to fairer and more effective representation;
- allow COI members to elect representatives who will be more attentive to their interests;
- and promote active engagement of community members in the life of the communities in which they live.
Public hearings will be held throughout the state starting in May to hear from residents regarding their “communities of interest” and their thoughts on the grouping, or not, of COIs together in a legislative district. The MICRC will conduct a public hearing in Marquette at NMU on May 18th.
The League of Women Voters of Michigan (LWVMI) is committed to educating the public on the role of the MICRC and the concept of “Communities of Interest.” To that end, our local League is offering assistance in identifying local “COIs,” and offering help to COIs about how to draw COI maps and provide testimony to the MICRC.
This is a historic opportunity to have our voices heard by the “map makers” and to truly engage in making democracy work.
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