Fair Maps plan is not fair

Congressional Districts all over the country are gerrymandered, in both Democratic and Republican states. But Republicans do it much more effectively than Democrats. From 2012 to 2016, gerrymandering shifted an average of 19 congressional seats to the Republicans. This unfairly shifts power to the Republicans. Proponents of the Illinois "Fair" Maps Amendment want to increase this Republican national advantage.

In 2012, Democrats won the vote for the House of Representatives nationally by 2.5% and yet lost the House 234-201, a margin of 33 seats. Is that fair to Democratic voters in Illinois? No. The "Fair" Maps Amendment in Illinois will simply make the problem worse at a national level.

Republicans are all for "fair" redistricting - in Democratic states. Have you heard of any fair redistricting efforts in the Deep South or any other red states? No, you haven't.

Recognize the "Fair" Maps Amendment for what it is - a Republican effort to maximize their power at a national level. If this country instituted fair redistricting at a national level, then that would in fact be "fair." That's not what this is. The "Fair" Maps Amendment is anything but fair and should be defeated soundly by Illinois voters.

Michael E. Fredian

Arlington Heights