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HJR W

Elections: candidates; eligibility of an independent citizens redistricting commissioner to run for office; modify. Amends sec. 6, art. IV of the state constitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona and 13 co-sponsors

Modifies the period during which an independent citizens redistricting commissioner cannot hold partisan office after appointment to strengthen nonpartisanship in Michigan redistri

joint resolution electronically reproduced 06/16/2026
#constitutionalamendments:state #elections:candidates
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Bill Summary · HJR W

Summary of Bill: HJR W (2025-2026) – Michigan

Main purpose and intent

  • This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to modify when an independent citizens redistricting commissioner (ICRC) is ineligible to hold partisan elective office.
  • The goal is to adjust the ineligibility period for ICRCs, ensuring they remain nonpartisan while serving, and clarify the eligibility window relative to political activity.

Key provisions and changes

  • Article IV, Sec. 6, (1)(e) currently states that for five years after appointment, a commissioner is ineligible to hold a partisan elective office at any level in Michigan until December 31 of the year immediately following the year of the subsequent federal decennial census.

  • The proposed amendment would modify the time period during which an ICRC cannot hold partisan elective office. (Note: The text provided does not specify the exact revised duration or method of calculation beyond the intent to “modify the time.” The core structure remains: a fixed post-appointment ineligibility period tied to the decennial census timeline.)

  • Panel selection and qualifications (Sec. 6(2)):

    • The Secretary of State administers a multi-step selection process:
    • Applications open by January 1 of the year of the federal decennial census; 10,000 random voters receive mailed applications.
    • Applicants must attest under oath to qualifications and party affiliation (affiliation with one of the two major parties or non-affiliation).
    • Additional applications are mailed until specified quotas are met: 30 major-party affiliates for each major party, and 40 non-affiliates.
    • Applications accepted until June 1; by July 1, 60 affiliated and 80 non-affiliated applicants are randomly selected, with population-mirroring weighting.
    • By September 1, four commissioners from each affiliated pool and five from the non-affiliated pool are drawn.
    • Legislative leaders may strike up to 20 total applicants (five per leader, max 20).

  • Term, vacancy, and governance (Secs. 6(3)–(4)):

    • Commissioners serve terms per subsection (18) (cycle-driven terms) with procedures to fill vacancies by random selection from remaining qualifying applicants.
    • The Secretary of State serves as secretary to the commission; the commission elects its own chair and sets rules.
    • The commission has hiring, procurement, and contracting authority, including staff and legal counsel.

  • Funding, compensation, and accountability (Sec. 6(5)–(6)):

    • Annual legislative funding to the commission equal to at least 25% of the Governor’s general fund/general purpose budget for the Secretary of State, to cover commissioners and independent experts.
    • Commissioner compensation set at least at 25% of the Governor’s salary.
    • The commission must audit expenditures and report annually; if funds are inadequate, the state must indemnify commissioners for costs.

  • Public process and transparency (Secs. 6(7)–(16)):

    • Call to convene by Oct. 15 preceding a census; adopt redistricting plans by Sept. 1 following a census.
    • At least 10 public hearings before drafting and at least 5 hearings on proposed plans.
    • Plans must include data, maps, and legal descriptions; plans are publicly posted and replicable from published materials.
    • Plans are adopted by majority vote with minimum representation from major-party and non-affiliated commissioners; if needed, a detailed tie-breaking process is outlined.
    • Dissenting reports permitted.

  • Plan criteria (Sec. 6(13)):

    • Equal population and compliance with the Voting Rights Act and federal law.
    • Contiguity, consideration of communities of interest, avoidance of partisan advantage, respect for county/city/township boundaries, and compactness.

  • Post-adoption and judicial oversight (Secs. 6(17)–(19)):

    • Adopted plans become law 60 days after publication.
    • The Michigan Supreme Court retains authority to direct, review, or remand plans for compliance.

  • Other provisions (Secs. 6(11)–(12), (21)–(22)):

    • Strict conflict-of-interest rules: no improper lobbying or gifts above $20; communications generally occur in open forums.
    • The amendment emphasizes independence of the ICRC and declares legislative control over other bodies respect to redistricting is superseded; the commission operates as the sole body for redistricting.

Who would be affected

  • Independent citizens redistricting commissioners:
    • Their eligibility window for partisan office (the central change) and the rules governing appointment, staffing, funding, and conduct.
  • Michigan voters:
    • Indirectly affected through the structure, transparency, and competitiveness of redistricting processes.
  • State and local elected officials and political parties:
    • The creation and operation of the ICRC affect how districts are drawn, potential partisan advantages, and oversight mechanisms.
  • Secretary of State:
    • Responsible for administering applications, random selections, and facilitating the commission’s operations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Constitutional amendment process:
    • The text proposes an amendment to the state constitution and requires submission to voters at the next general election.
  • Selection timeline tied to the federal decennial census:
    • Applications open in the year of the census; selection and appointment occur in the years surrounding the census cycle.
  • Plan adoption deadlines:
    • Convening by Oct 15; plan adoption by Sept 1 of the census year; final plans published within 60 days of adoption.
  • Public engagement:
    • Minimum of 10 hearings before plan drafting; at least 5 hearings on proposed plans; opportunities for public submissions.

Note: The provided text repeatedly references “modify” the ineligibility period but does not specify the exact revised duration. If you need the precise new ineligibility timeframe, please provide the exact clause or an updated bill text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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