Group says it has enough signatures for remapping referendum

SPRINGFIELD - A group that wants to change the way Illinois draws its political districts says it has the signatures it needs to put a measure on the November ballot.

The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises reported that the group Yes! For Independent Maps announced Tuesday that it has nearly 350,000 signatures. The group needs nearly 300,000 signatures for voters to consider their plan.

That plan would amend the Illinois constitution to require state legislative leaders to appoint an 11-person redistricting commission made up of Illinois residents. Those residents could have no ties to lobbyists or public offices.

Currently the Illinois legislature draws a new legislative district map every 10 years. If they can't agree before June 30, then legislative leaders appoint a bipartisan eight-member commission to decide.