The Count MI Vote Education Fund (CMV) is the affiliated 501(c)(3) of Voters Not Politicians, the grassroots group that led the successful 2018 ballot initiative to end gerrymandering by creating an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in Michigan. Our campaign inspired thousands of everyday Michiganders to become dedicated citizen activists and persuaded 2.5 million Michiganders to vote “YES on 2.” Together, we took a huge step towards creating a truly representative democracy in our state.

CMV is the expert in redistricting policy, grassroots organizing, advocacy organizing, and communications. Now, our organization is eager to use our expertise and experience to make sure that the redistricting reform amendment actually results in a fair, impartial and transparent new redistricting process in Michigan

What is redistricting?

Every 10 years following the national Census, states are required to redraw election district maps to adjust for population changes. This process is known as redistricting. 

Redistricting yields three sets of maps for each state — a Congressional district map, a State Senate district map, and a State House district map.

When you vote on Election Day, the candidates you vote for are determined by the district you live in.

The United States Constitution allows each state to determine the process and standards used to draw Congressional and legislative maps. All states must adhere to federal standards including equal population and the Voting Rights Act.

What was wrong with Michigan’s former redistricting process?

Before Michigan voters passed the redistricting reform amendment in 2018, the state legislature was in charge of drawing the state’s election district maps while the Governor had the power to approve or veto them.

When one party controls both the state Senate, state House, and the Governor’s office, that party can use its redistricting power to rig elections in its favor... for the next decade!  Big data and advanced computer programs let politicians draw maps that carve and skew communities to give their party unfair advantages in elections. The process takes place behind closed doors with no opportunity for public input or oversight.

This tactic — known as “gerrymandering” — has allowed Michigan politicians to choose their own voters, instead of voters choosing their politicians. Michigan’s current 2011 maps -- which are in effect until 2020 -- are some of the worst examples of “extreme gerrymandering ”  in the country.

What is Proposal 18-2?

Michigan voters have put an end to partisan gerrymandering by passing Proposal 18-2, also known as Proposal 2. Proposal 2 takes redistricting control away from politicians and puts it in the hands of voters by establishing an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission that will draw Michigan’s election district maps going forward. The redistricting reform amendment created a fair, impartial, and transparent process that fosters public participation.

To read more about the amendment, click here.

The Count MI Vote Education Fund (Count MI Vote) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.