NRAF Successfully Protects Michigan’s Citizen-Led Commission Map in Federal Court
For Immediate Release
January 14, 2022
Contact
Jena Doyle
doyle@redistrictingaction.org
NRAF Successfully Protects Michigan’s Citizen-Led Commission Map in Federal Court
Washington, D.C. — Today, Banerian v. Benson, a Republican lawsuit challenging Michigan’s fair congressional map, was dismissed in federal court. This marks a victory for Michigan voters and the fight for fair maps across the country. The dismissal was filed by the Republican plaintiffs in the case following advocacy from the McKay intervenors, who were supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund (NRAF).
Marina Jenkins, Director of Litigation and Policy for the NRAF, released the following statement in response to the case dismissal:
“This case was a veiled and cynical attempt to undermine the citizen-oriented work of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, and its dismissal is as much a victory for Michigan voters as it is for the commission itself. Well-designed commissions like Michigan’s can conduct fair processes and draw compliant maps that allow voters – not politicians – to select their representation. The commission-drawn map puts political power exactly where it should be: with the people. The final congressional map will allow Michigan to remain competitive for the decade and that is an important victory for democracy.”
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