Quincy Reporter

Although Republican lawmakers are pushing the People's Independent Maps Act, a proposal that allows legislative redistricting maps decided by an independent commission, they ultimately have no say when they are in the minority.

The proposal would allow an appointment of a 16-person advisory committee appointed by the state Supreme Court. 

Redrawing the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts are done every 10 years, along with the census. Republicans, who are the minority in the House and Senate, claimed that not having an independent committee to determine new district maps would be unfair.

"Every Illinoisan deserves to be represented in our democracy, and an independent map drawn by the people for the people NOT by the politicians for the politicians is the best way to make their voices heard," Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Qunicy) said in a March 31 Facebook post. "For too long, the people of Illinois have been deprived of this right; that's why we have filed SB 1325, the People's Independent Maps Act."

Another Republican lawmaker mentioned that the majority of residents are in favor of an independent commission.

"We're talking about giving the people what they want," Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorne Woods) said, WSILTV reported on March 30. "More than 75% of people want independent maps and using real data. We're not using fake survey data in order to reach a partisan end."

Public hearings would be required before the map could be approved. Political leaders would be prohibited from serving on the commission. Currently, 23 public meetings are scheduled across the state.

Republicans have reiterated that Gov. G.B. Pritzker has supported independent redistricting and has said in the past that he will veto any maps that have been approved by lawmakers that aren't fair.

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) pointed out the bipartisan support from lawmakers in both the House and Senate.

"Democrats want this. Republicans want this," Butler said, WSILTV reported. "The only people who are holding this up are a handful of people who want to draw the maps in the backrooms so that people don't see it."

 The bill is waiting on approval from the Assignments Committee.