In 2018, voters across the political spectrum approved a ballot measure that took the power of drawing electoral districts out of the hands of politicians. It placed that power instead in an independent, citizen-led commission.

That commission's new maps are now complete, and they're poised to become law in time for our 2022 elections. Our forthcoming Michigan Legislature and Congressional delegation will be fairly elected by residents no longer gerrymandered and left to the political wayside.

But what do new electoral districts mean for the environment? Will the elected officials representing them better serve their constituents' resounding demands for better air, natural land and cleaner water? 

The signs are largely hopeful, aside from a few concerns.

Sandy Sorini Elser spent 2021 bringing Michiganders into the redistricting process. The retired lawyer volunteered with Voters Not Politicians and helped residents advocate to the Commission about how their communities should be represented in the new voting district lines. 

Right alongside was Raquel Garcia, executive director of member group Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision. She worked hard to ensure her pocket of Detroit–among the most polluted areas in Michigan–would be represented by elected officials that listened to  her community's concerns.

Join Sandy, Raquel and Michigan Environmental Council President & CEO Conan Smith as they share how the shapes of districts and the people within them may elect politicians that will better help our land, air, water and public health.
 

Friday, January 28, 11:30 am to noon

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