Villa Park's Heidi Holan, campaigning for the Illinois House seat in District 46, recently advocated for fair maps for voters via her Facebook page following a failed attempt by Independent Maps proponents to alter Illinois’ legislative boundary laws.
“Illinois should have fair maps,” Holan said, adding that legislators should listen to their constituents. “The people are demanding them. A Madigan-controlled General Assembly will not provide them.”
Following a court hearing, Cook County Judge Diana Joan Larsen ruled in agreement with attorneys associated with House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) that certain details in the Independent Maps proposal conflict with the state’s Constitution and lending leverage to opponents of the initiative, who have formed their own civic association called People’s Map.
Larsen wrote, however, that redistricting itself is not illegal, allowing possibilities for further discussion; advocates intend to appeal the matter in a higher court if the ruling is upheld.
Larsen's ruling was upheld on appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court in a 4-3 decision along party lines.
Holan encouraged legitimization of the platform, saying that Madigan-associated attorneys are attempting to abolish citizen-driven initiatives for fair maps through the court system.
“If the Supreme Court denies voters the ability to vote for the amendment, then voters need to vote to replace legislators in the majority caucus — provided the gerrymandered maps allow them that opportunity,” Holan said.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has called on the General Assembly to pass a redistricting reform law when the legislative body reconvenes this fall.
Alerts Sign-up