change it? Here are some simple answers. How does redistricting work in Illinois? Every ten years, the federal government conducts the U.S. Census. This process counts people across the country, measuring populations in neighborhoods, towns, cities, and states.
Because the Illinois General Assemblys districts are meant to be equal in population, they must be redrawn following each Census to keep up with population changes. In Illinois, it is left up to the state legislature to determine how the state districts are drawn.
If the legislators and the governor cannot agree on the new map, then an 8-member commission is formed. While no more than four members can be from the same party, party leaders make the appointments. The President of the State Senate, the Speaker of the Illinois House, and the House and Senate Minority Leaders each select two members.
Why do we need to change this system?
In Illinois, it is left up to the state legislature to determine how the state districts are drawn. That means partisan political leaders control the process behind closed doors, creating maps that benefit their political allies, not the constituents they are meant to represent. When legislators are ineffective or corrupt, voters cant hold them accountable.
What would redistricting reform look like?
CHANGE Illinois supports independent, transparent redistricting that takes politics out of the process and engages voters across our state. Such reforms have already taken effect in states like California and Arizona --and the impact has been undeniably positive for the overall health of the democratic process in both places.
What would redistricting reform mean for representation for
communities of color? Independent, nonpartisan redistricting can protect and strengthen minority voting rights. CHANGE Illinois believes in redistricting that ensures diverse communities are able to elect the candidates of their choice. When redistricting reform took effect in California, the number of majority-minority districts went up by 50%.
Who supports redistricting reform?
Every major newspaper in Illinois, from Chicago to Carbondale. National organizations like AARP and community groups representing minority rights. Leaders of all stripes, from Democratic Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, to former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar, to Rev. Dr. Byron Brazier, to Chicago Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Jesse Ruiz, and many others. Along with thousands of people like you across the state.
What can I do to help fix the redistricting process?
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