SE Illinois News

While the redistricting process has begun in Illinois, some say that the Fair Map proposal is doomed.

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis) is one of those individuals, especially in light of Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch pledging that the maps would be redrawn and on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk by June 30 to avoid forcing the creation of an independent commission to create the district maps that will dictate political representation for the next decade.

“The Madigan era may be over but his policies remain. There was zero chance that the Fair Map proposal would see the light of day while Speaker Madigan was in charge and there seems to be zero chance that it will go anywhere now. It is disappointing but not unexpected,” said Niemerg. “I don't think anyone in the 109th District ever truly believed the governor was in favor of Fair Maps. He has an opportunity to show the people that he can be trusted, but he has chosen to be silent, which tells people in my neighborhood everything they need to know.”

Early this month, Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) was at a redistricting hearing for Kankakee and Will Counties where attendees sought more transparency, and for legislators to slow down since the full Census data isn’t expected to be released until Oct. 30.

“Witness after witness has been critical of the lack of transparency in this process. That includes requests for more robust public engagement, more notice of hearings and for answers on how the public can draw their maps and what data we should be using," said Rezin. "What we've heard from witnesses is that if you want true engagement, then slow the process down," she said. "There's no need to rush and pass maps with inaccurate data by June 30 when the real constitutional deadline is not until October. Witnesses have said, repeatedly, we need to use the delay on the census data as an opportunity to make this process better, an opportunity to truly engage the citizens of the state and allow better participation."

Partisan maps would not stand a chance in Illinois if Pritzker keeps a 2018 campaign promise.  During his run for office in 2018, Pritzker said that he would veto a redistricting map “in any way drafted or created by legislators, political party leaders, and/or their staffs or allies.” WCIA News notes that Pritzker has recently signaled his support for redistricting maps drawn before the full census data is out.

The redistricting process happens once every 10 years as the Census data is updated. Instead of the majority party setting the map, Republicans are suggesting that an independent body be used to create the maps for the next decade.

Illinois residents want redistricting to happen by an independent body according to a Change Illinois poll conducted in March.