Time for Michigan to Adopt Arizona Redistricting Model?

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Redistricting and the potential for elected officials to effectively choose their own voters through gerrymandering will be discussed later this month at a town hall meeting sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Dearborn-Dearborn Heights.

To be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave., the program will explore how legislative district lines are drawn in Michigan, who draws them and concerns about fair representation.

The town hall meeting is one of 30 such meetings being held around the state this fall by the League of Women Voters. Of particular interest is the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling upholding a voter-backed amendment in Arizona that transferred the power to draw congressional districts from the state legislature to an independent commission.

Tell Us:

• Do you think gerrymandering is a problem in Michigan? Would you favor having a non-partisan group draw congressional and legislative boundaries?

In the three months since the decision, discussions have centered around whether Michigan voters should demand the same nonpartisan approach to redistricting, not only for congressional districts, but also state legislative districts, according to the League of Women Voters, which is holding 30 community-based redistricting programs around the state this fall. They’re all free and open to the public.

Sue Smith, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Michigan, will be the keynote speaker at the Dearborn town hall meeting. She discuss whether current laws allow the political party in power an advantage in redistricting, the ramifications of partisan-drawn districts, and alternatives that may be more fair, such as the approach taken in Arizona.

Co-sponsors include: ACCESS and the Dearborn Public Library. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and display tables will feature materials and information about redistricting.

The League of Women Voters, a national nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League does not support or oppose political parties or candidates. Membership is open to all men and women, 18 or older. It is financed by members and public-spirited citizens and organizations.

For more information about the town hall meeting or the League of Women Voters, call

There will be display tables in the lobby beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, (313) 278-6476.

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