Group turns in signatures for redistricting ballot question

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A group that wants an independent commission to draw state legislative districts in Illinois turned in signatures to ask voters to approve the change this November.

Leaders of the Independent Map coalition delivered over 550,000 signatures to the Illinois State Board of Elections on Friday. The minimum number needed is 290,216, but the signatures still need to be verified.

The once-a-decade mapping process is controlled by the political party in power.

Independent Map supporters say elections would be more competitive if the process was out of lawmakers' hands. But opponents succeeded in blocking a past effort in court.

A legislative proposal to create an independent commission was unsuccessful this year. The plan by state Rep. Jack Franks was approved in the House but failed in the Senate.