Livingston Today

State Representative Ann Bollin has written a letter to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, seeking clarification on the legality of two members of Michigan's Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission who continue to serve on the commission while residing outside of the state. The concerns were raised during the commission's meeting on Thursday.

In the letter, Rep. Bollin expressed her worry about the lack of transparency surrounding the situation, as both individuals have been living outside of Michigan for over a year while still receiving paychecks from the commission. She pointed out that by living in other states, these commissioners have distanced themselves from the consequences of the decisions they make as members of the commission.

Rep. Bollin wrote, "Both commissioners have maintained their voter registration in our state despite residing in other states, paying taxes in other states, and – in the case of one individual – switching their driver's license to another state. This raises concerns about whether these individuals are maintaining their status as members of the commission simply to collect a paycheck."

The representative also called for an audit of the state's qualified voter file, stating, "This is yet another very public reason to conduct an audit of the state's voter rolls. These individuals, and an untold number like them, may be giving rise to a completely new definition to the term absentee voter."

The letter can be accessed in full here.

This development has sparked concerns about the integrity of the redistricting process and the representation of the citizens of Michigan. It raises questions about the effectiveness of having commissioners who are not actively residing in the state making decisions that will have a significant impact on the lives of Michigan residents.

It is crucial for the Secretary of State's office to provide clarity on the matter and address the concerns raised by Rep. Bollin. Transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring a fair and unbiased redistricting process.

The issue also highlights the need for a thorough examination of the state's voter rolls to ensure that individuals residing outside of Michigan are not actively participating in the decision-making process by maintaining their voter registration in the state.

As this situation unfolds, it is important for all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the citizens and address any potential conflicts of interest. The citizens of Michigan deserve a redistricting process that is transparent, fair, and representative of their needs and concerns.

Click this link to access more information: https://gophouse.org/posts/rep-bollin-seeks-answers-from-sos-concerning-redistricting-commissioners-living-out-of-state