Common Cause and CHANGE Illinois has given the state a failing grade for its legislative redistricting process.
The advocacy group said in its report that “Illinois represents a nearly perfect model for everything that can go wrong with redistricting.”
The group noted that Illinois legislators used the redistricting process to protect a Democratic supermajority in the state legislature, created an additional Democratic congressional district, and diluted Black voting power in order to protect white Democratic incumbents.
Legislators also scheduled hearings during the workday, failed to promote hearings adequately, and violated ADA rules at some locations.
From the report:
Gold standard reform like the creation of an independent citizens redistricting commission is challenging in Illinois due to the limitations of its ballot initiative process and an entrenched legislature. However, the failures of this cycle’s process point to more achievable but still important reforms that can help make the process more transparent and accessible. These could include advocacy for the following:
• Hearings that take place after work hours;
• Greater language assistance;
• Increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities; and
• Nonpartisan criteria for drawing districts that could survive state constitutional restrictions on ballot initiatives like a strict prohibition against partisan gerrymandering and making communities of interest a higher priority.
Although the landscape for reform is challenging in Illinois, there are important lessons learned from this cycle and previous legal fights that can provide a path forward for improvement.
