Editorial: A new effort to amend the constitution on redistricting

And so we begin again.

We come this time with valuable new information and lessons of the recent past. Let's also add new resolve.

The issue is nothing short of wresting control of our government from entrenched politicians, and while that task has many facets, it begins with the premise that voters must select their officials rather than let officials select their voters. It begins with a constitutional amendment to change the way legislative districts are drawn in Illinois.

A drive aimed at getting such a proposal before Illinois voters faltered last year when Cook County circuit court Judge Mary Mikva declared that certain aspects of the plan didn't meet the standard of what can justify a change in the Illinois Constitution. Organizers vowed then to return to the fray, and on Tuesday they were back, announcing a new effort to get a citizens initiative on the November 2016 ballot.

There are some new leaders. There's a new website, www.MapAmendment.org, and some new language. But the goal remains the same - a nonpartisan, independent commission to draw legislative maps every 10 years instead of essentially allowing the party in charge of Illinois government at the time to draw the maps.

The current system has swung Illinois on a pendulum of power politics, giving whatever party is in charge when the decennial census is taken the ability to draw legislative boundaries that squeeze out potential challenges from the opposing party and concentrate traditional voting blocs to help ensure continuation of their own party's dominance.

Republicans and Democrats alike have taken advantage of the system in Illinois, so this movement is not an issue of partisan politics. In fact, it is very nearly the exact opposite.

Surveys have found that as many as 77 percent of Illinois voters, regardless of party affiliation, support a drive to change how legislative maps are drawn. Virtually the only supporters of the present system are the vested interests from both parties who manipulate it to their advantage. Prying control away from them will take a true grass roots effort.

The politicians will not change this system. Only we can.

The Independent Map Amendment establishes a thorough, heavily regulated system for ensuring bipartisan and independent influence in the construction of boundaries for House and Senate districts. It is supported - nay, promoted - by prominent civic and government leaders from both parties, including the Democratic former chief of staff to President Barack Obama William Daley and former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar.

A full description of the proposal as well as petitions you can sign or circulate are available at the initiative's website. Check it out. Then get behind the effort. Get involved if you can.

Go beyond merely complaining about the condition of Illinois government. Prepare with renewed vigor to do something about it.