Say Yes To Nonpartisan Redistricting In Michigan

Sign if you agree: Michigan needs a bipartisan or independent redistricting commission. If we want to prevent the next Flint water crisis or tackle environmental justice issues that face marginalized communities in places like Detroit, we need to empower local voters. The current system dilutes their political power, making it harder to fix these major issues. Even worse, it reinforces a legacy of environmental racism and disenfranchises voters in the communities with the most pollution.  In 2020 when the next census occurs, Michigan will redraw its political boundaries for Congress and the Legislature. The time to start organizing around redistricting is now. Sign the petition now to demand Michigan move to a bipartisan or independent redistricting process. When the Legislature drew congressional and legislative districts in 2001 and 2011, both times they drew districts to create a partisan political advantage. Then they used this new influence to further empower emergency managers and pass further austerity measures that hurt everything from environmental protection to public education.  If we want to prevent the next Flint water crisis or tackle environmental justice issues that face marginalized communities in places like Detroit, we need to empower local voters. The current system dilutes their political power, making it harder to fix these major issues. Even worse, it reinforces a legacy of environmental racism and disenfranchises voters in the communities with the most pollution. Stand up to empower local communities like Flint. Make sure our congressional and legislative seats are drawn fairly by supporting a bipartisan, independent redistricting commission. Democracy is based on the idea that voters choose their representatives, not the other way around. When legislators draw their own districts, it insulates them from the voice of the people. The people are heard less, and big polluters and others with their teams of lobbyists are heard more. It also means that, more and more, politicians aren't held accountable for their actions, as most will never face a viable challenger in the general election. They draw themselves "safe" districts where they can be re-elected easily. And the people, especially those hurt by pollution, are shut out. Redistricting shouldn't be about creating job security for lazy politicians. Sign the petition now to support a bipartisan or independent redistricting process. This fight is just beginning. Sign now and help start the journey that will make 2020 redistricting truly fair and equitable for all of Michigan. Thanks for everything you do to protect our environment and democracy, Aaron Mair President Sierra Club