Redistricting: It Ain’t Over ‘til It’s Over

See last week’s update on redrawn state district maps and proposed Chicago ward maps. 

Statewide

Hearings have begun in federal court on the suits challenging the redistricting maps for Illinois State Senators, State Representatives, and Illinois Supreme Court. A three-judge panel is considering lawsuits from three groups of plaintiffs, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP, and Republican leaders in the General Assembly.

Plaintiffs argue that the district maps, which became law in September, reduce or dilute representation for Latino or Black population. Republican leaders challenge maps for Chicago and Metro East.

The concern is whether the court decisions on districts will be made before January 13, 2022, when candidates can begin to circulate nominating petitions.

Chicago Wards

There are now three maps under consideration by the Chicago City Council Rules Committee. Committee meetings and hearings are scheduled into January. Then four more meetings will be held to give members of the public time to comment on proposed maps, allow alderpersons to continue their own negotiations, and deflect criticism that ward maps are being decided in back rooms. 

The “real” deadline is May 19, 2022, 40 days before Illinois’ Primary Election on June 28. Unless 41 alderpersons agree on a new ward map by then, the decision will be left to voters in a referendum.