Livingston Today

The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (MICRC) was established to end partisan gerrymandering but has been criticized for excessive spending and fiscal mismanagement. Since its inception in September 2020, the MICRC has spent over $10 million, including $4,120,000 on various law firms and $1,370,900 on line-drawing consultants whose maps were ruled unconstitutional for disadvantaging Black voters in Detroit. Legal challenges are expected to cost taxpayers an additional $1.8 million.

At one point, the commission approved a $50,000 expenditure for a documentary about their work. In 2021, they paid an algorithm-based mapping vendor for a sales presentation typically provided at no cost by vendors seeking contracts.

Four months into the current fiscal year, the MICRC had already spent 55% of its annual budget and requested an additional $3.33 million from the Legislature. During its March 2024 meeting, commissioners voted to increase their salaries from approximately $40,000 to over $55,000—a 40% hike justified by the need to fix flawed maps.

Two commissioners collected salaries while living out of state: Dustin Witjes and Douglas Clark resigned after reports revealed they had been living out of state for more than a year. Another commissioner, Anthony Eid, accepted then resigned from two different jobs with groups that tried to influence the mapmaking process while still collecting his MICRC salary.

The MICRC’s lack of accountability is concerning as members cannot be recalled and meetings are held virtually, limiting public engagement. Looking ahead to the redistricting cycle after the 2030 census, there is a call for stringent budget oversight, public accountability, transparent financial reporting, and fair maps.

State Rep. Ann Bollin commented on the situation: "Michigan taxpayers deserve a redistricting process that is fair, impartial, and fiscally responsible." She suggested that another constitutional amendment might be necessary to ensure real accountability.

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