Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) questioned the map-making process the other side of the aisle is executing.

He demanded answers on the House floor on May 13.   

“We have little more than two weeks of session left,” Durkin emphasized. “We have major issues to confront. One of which is the legislative redistricting process. I have heard from your side of the aisle that this is going to be a fair and transparent process, so my question to you: When are we going to see the maps? Maybe Rep. Hernandez could answer that question for me? 

House Assistant Majority Leader Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero) said she has no complete information but will immediately inform everyone “as soon as we get that information.” 

“We’ve had multiple hearings throughout the state,” Durkin said. “There has been much information from these hearings. We do know that the map room, people are being shuttled in and out, but we’ve also been promised this is going to be transparent. There are less than 18 days left in this calendar. Advocacy groups want at least 2 weeks seeing these maps before any action is taken. Can you guarantee this?”

While the minority leader is eager to obtain significant information such as if anyone has drawn their own map and if the maps were based on the American Community Survey data, the assistant majority leader assured him that she is as anxious as he is and is aware that there is a June 30 deadline. She told him “it’s all about patience” and said that they are aiming to get the information to the public by June 18.

“The info that has come from these hearings is that the legislature should not be drawing these maps and that ACS data should not be used,” Durkin reminded the House. “I hope you will fulfill the promise you have made to the people of Illinois who want a transparent process that won’t be dropped on our laps at the last minute.”

Pritzker pledged during his gubernatorial campaign to reject any map that has been drawn by lawmakers but has now broken his promise. The governor, who has apparently gone back on his promise to veto an unfair map, said he favored a 2018 constitutional amendment that was removed from the ballot.

Gerrymandering is rife in Illinois. This is how the Democratic Machine built by former House Speaker Mike Madigan, who resigned in disgrace amid a federal investigation, kept power for so long. 

Minorities are at particular risk of losing their voice should gerrymandering be allowed to continue.