Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) is encouraging farmers and other agriculture industry representatives to apply for the state’s independent citizens redistricting commission.
According to MFB Government Relations Specialist Matt Kapp, every decade state and national legislative district lines are redrawn to accurately reflect population changes following the U.S. Census.
“A randomly selected commission of 13 Michigan citizens is responsible for drawing U.S. Congressional and State House and Senate district lines,” Kapp said. “We need common sense farmers and others who understand rural communities to step up and volunteer to serve on the commission.”
The commission comprised only of registered voters will include: four who affiliate with the Democratic Party, four who affiliate with the Republican Party, and five who do not affiliate with either major political party.
Individuals interested in serving should apply online through the Secretary of State’s website by June 1, 2020. Applicants are also required to submit a notarized copy of the application to the Secretary of State’s office in person or by mail.
Several resources are available to help individuals and organizations learn more about the process and opportunity to participate: