Let’s put Illinois in perspective.
In recent Statewide elections, Illinois is roughly a 55% Democratic to 45% Republican vote split.
But in the legislature, House 66% Democrats to 34% Republicans and Senate 68% Democrats to 32% Republicans
That gap doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because maps are drawn to protect those in power, not to reflect voters. Districts get stretched, split, and pieced together to produce a political outcome instead of keeping communities compact and intact.
HJRCA 28 moves us further in that direction by pushing compact, common-sense maps lower on the priority list and opening the door for even more gerrymandered districts.
Illinois voters deserve better.
Maps should reflect people, not politicians.
Rep. Ryan Spain’s floor argument on this is spot on.