The Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission largely avoided the deadlocks and partisan divides that plagued other states. And as their self-imposed end-of-year deadline loomed, commissioners approved a final product with fewer fireworks than many expected. Many national redistricting observers view that as a win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t have people running out of the room crying or killing each other,\u201d the commission\u2019s then-chair, independent Rebecca Szetela, joked as the votes concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Michigan\u2019s redistricting story isn\u2019t over. Even after the dust settles on current legal challenges to the lines, the redistricting overhaul\u2019s ultimate measure of success comes down to whether the public is convinced the independently-drawn maps result in a more representative government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thoughts on whether commissioners met that mark varies widely, depending on who you ask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The core of Voters Not Politicians\u2019 message, the bet supporters made, is that the average Michigan resident cared about redistricting \u2014 or would care if offered educational material and a crash course in mapping basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n