Independent redistricting committee to meet at CMU
Campus and community members invited to provide testimony, register to vote
As part of a universitywide effort to increase civic engagement, Central Michigan University will host a meeting of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission on its campus Thursday, Sept. 23 — the same day it holds its annual Fire Up the Vote voter registration drive.
"Preparing students for responsible citizenship in a global society is part of the CMU mission," said Erica Johnson, director of the CMU Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center and member of the CMU Central Voter Coalition. "Registering to vote — and voting — are vital parts of active citizenship, and so is participating in events that increase our understanding of our community and the processes that shape our democracy."
The events are the result of a collaborative effort of several nonpartisan campus groups, including the volunteer center, the Central Votes registered student organization, and the Campus Election Engagement Project.
Drawing new voting maps
The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is tasked with creating new maps for congressional, state Senate and state House districts that will impact voters for the next 10 years.
"The MICRC appreciates and believes that public engagement is necessary to draw fair maps," said MICRC Vice Chairperson MC Rothhorn. "We look forward to connecting with CMU students and the broader community in the Mount Pleasant area during our meetings next week."
The MICRC meeting will be held from 1-8 p.m. in Plachta Auditorium, with a one-hour break at 4 p.m. Individuals from CMU, Mount Pleasant and Isabella County can share their thoughts on the redistricting process, ask questions and hear from members of the commission.
Share your thoughts with MICRC
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to provide testimony on the redistricting process with members of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission by:- Attending the meeting in person and providing live testimony.
- Submitting written testimony using the MICRC online form.
- viewing the meeting virtually and submitting comments later.
Fire Up the Vote
CMU's Fire Up the Vote event will be held from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Bovee University Center.
The event will feature games, quizzes and — of course — the opportunity to register to vote, Johnson said. CMU student, faculty and staff leaders also will be available to answer questions about voting and other civic engagement opportunities throughout the year.