Illinois remapping issue step closer to November ballot

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Election officials say a group that wants voters to decide if an independent commission should draw Illinois' political boundaries appears to have enough valid signatures for November's ballot.

A review of signatures turned in by the Independent Map Amendment shows the group likely has more than the required minimum 290,216 valid signatures of registered voters. The State Board of Elections is expected vote on the matter at its June 13 meeting.

However, a lawsuit filed in Cook County could keep the measure off the ballot. Oral arguments are expected June 30.

In 2014, a judge ruled a similar effort couldn't be on the ballot.

Organizers of the remap group say they've learned from the 2014 effort.

Independent Map chairman, Dennis FitzSimons, said Tuesday that the signatures show residents want redistricting reform.