Proposal 2 would modify or amend 11 different sections of the Michigan Constitution.[†] The majority of these modifications are relatively simple and applied to sections of the Constitution that specify the respective powers of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Michigan’s government. Proposal 2 would add language to these sections that clarifies that none of these three branches of government have the power to draw district lines, as that power would be reserved exclusively for a 13-member commission.
The most significant changes Proposal 2 would produce are in Article IV of the constitution, which contains the invalidated language about redistricting.[17] Sections in this article would be eliminated and replaced with language to direct the new process of redistricting. This new language defines and directs the new “permanent commission” that would be used to draw all the district lines needed to elect state and federal representatives: Michigan House members, Michigan senators, U.S. House of Representatives members and U.S. senators.
[*] These are Art. IV § 1-6, Art. V § 1, 2 and 4, Art. VI § 1 and 4.