STATE REDISTRICTING PLAN DEADLINE EXTENDED

Tricia Braid

Apr 04, 2014  |  Today's News

Over the years ICGA has received a lot of questions from both members and non-members on how legislative maps are drawn and why they are in the shape that they are.  The process of drawing the maps is done by the IL General Assembly Leaders and the Governor and occurs right after the Federal census every 10 years. 

There is currently a petition being circulated that would change who would draw the maps. Assuming that 300,000 registered voters in IL sign the petition by the extended deadline date of April 15th, the question would be placed on the November ballot as an IL Constitutional change calling for an "independent" process to draw the IL Senate district and the IL House district maps.  The IL Congressional district map development process would not change with this amendment.

If you are interested in the establishment of an independent process to draw these district maps, you can get involved by going to this link and learning more: YES FOR INDEPENDENT MAPS aims to change the process by putting an amendment on the November 2014 ballot. The proposed amendment is here:  Their proposed constitutional amendment.

Petitions can only be signed by registered voters in front of a documented witness. Should you have interest in signing on to a petition, you may contact one of the regional coordinators closest to you for more information:

Bloomington/Normal area: Glen Ludwig – 309-585-1273

Carbondale area: Vivian Ugent - (618) 457-8903

Champaign/Urbana area: Diane Wilhite - (217) 359-9441, Champaign Chamber of Commerce - 303 W Kirby Ave., M-F 8-5, (217) 359-1791

Galesburg area: Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce - 185 S Kellogg St., M-F 8:30-5, (309) 343-1194

Peoria area: Pat Landes - (309) 648-3504, Cheryl Budzinski - (309) 253-9594

Rock Island area: Christina Granfield - 847-863-8519

Rockford area: Steve Hall - (815) 654-0422, Rockford Office - 123 N Alpine Rd., 7 days a week 10-6, (779) 207-6688

Springfield area: Jeff Wilhite - (217) 416-1650