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The U.S. Census Bureau reapportioned seats in Congress in December 2010, and announced Michigan would lose one seat because its population growth did not keep up with other states. Michigan’s population decreased by 0.6 percent, the only state in the country that saw a decline. As a result, the state's U.S. House delegation will decrease from 15 to 14. That continues a decline since 1970, when the state had 19 representatives.
Experts say the culprit was a deep, decade-long recession that sent many residents to other states in search of jobs. The loss of a House seat will hurt Michigan's clout in Washington and also will reduce its share of funding for federal programs such as highway construction, education and health care.
The state's loss of a seat will add further intrigue to the process of redrawing congressional districts, which takes place after every census. The task is handled by the state Legislature, which will be under Republican control for at least the next two years. The incoming governor, Rick Snyder, is also a Republican. That means the GOP will have the upper hand in fashioning a district map favorable to its candidates.
The process is now complete. Click HERE for more information on the new districts that will go into effect in 2012.
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You can follow the money trail by searching campaign finance donations and contributions to and from
State of Michigan candidates and on ballot issues HERE:
Federal candidates HERE.
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REGISTERING TO VOTE:
Click here for the Michigan Secretary of State's Voter Information Center. With this tool you can
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Determine if you are registered to vote
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Find your polling location
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Contact your local election official
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Learn to use your voting equipment
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Find answers to frequently asked questions
Click here for a Voter Registration Application that you can mail. You can use this form to:
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Register to vote in Michigan.
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Change your name or address on your voter registration.
If you have never voted in Michigan and choose to submit this form by mail, you must appear in person to vote in the first election in which you wish to participate. This requirement does not apply if (1) you personally hand deliver this form to your county, city or township clerks office instead of mailing the form (2) you are 60 years of age or more (3) you are disabled or (4) you are eligible to vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
To register to vote in Michigan you must be:
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A resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to register to vote.
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A citizen of the United States of America.
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At least 18 years of age (by election day).
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Not serving a sentence in jail or prison.
ABSENTEE VOTING:
Click here for information on obtaining an Absentee Ballot.
UPCOMING ELECTION DATES:
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November 6, 2012 - General election
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