Some advocates are pushing for an Illinois constitutional amendment to change how legislative districts are created in the state. Redistricting advocates have asked lawmakers to consider their proposed Fair Maps Amendment that would form a 16-member independent commission to draw new districts, the Daily Herald reported. The commission would consist of seven Democrats, seven Republicans and two independents chosen by the state Supreme Court. The U.S. Constitution requires legislative and congressional boundaries to be redrawn every decade. The process in Illinois is dictated by the party in power, which some critics have said allows parties to manipulate boundaries to remain in control.
“One of our challenges is to help people understand how important this is,” said Madeleine Doubek, policy and civic engagement director for the Better Government Association. “When districts are gerrymandered, that’s where corruption is born.”
The proposed legislation is sponsored by Republican Rep. Ryan Spain of Peoria and two Democratic senators, Julie Morrison of Deerfield and Heather Steans of Chicago. Supporters are working to get the issue on the November ballot.
Other redistricting petitions failed to make the ballot in 2014 and 2016.
Full Article: Redistricting advocates lobbying Illinois lawmakers to consider Fair Maps Amendment | Government and Politics | thesouthern.com.