December 2, 2021
Media Reacts to Redistricting Commission’s Shocking Decision to Keep Legal Memos & Meeting Recording Secret
Lansing, Mich., December 2, 2021 – In a shocking move that erodes public trust in Michigan’s “Independent” Citizens Redistricting Commission, the Commission voted to block important memos regarding the Voting Rights Act and a video recording from the October 27th closed-door meeting from being revealed to the public. During the votes, all four Democrats on the commission voted to keep the memos and recordings under privilege.
Members of the committee and their lawyers have completely eroded public trust throughout this process. The decision to block these memos and recordings is the latest in a long line of shameful, unconstitutional actions by this body. By keeping the details of their October 27 meeting a secret, the commission has tainted this entire process.
“The secrecy of the Commission has unquestionably tainted their work and any map they produce. The state Constitution is clear that ‘[T]he commission shall conduct all of its business at open meetings’,” said Eric Ventimiglia, Executive Director for Michigan Rising Action. Ventimiglia continued, “This body has failed to uphold that duty and failed the people of Michigan.”