Join effort to change Illinois politics
Last spring, we co-authored a call to action for voters in Illinois to engage in legislative redistricting reform by signing a petition to put the Independent Map Amendment on the ballot in November. More than 563,000 voters signed in support of a fair, transparent and impartial way to draw state legislative districts by establishing an independent Redistricting Commission.
The Illinois State Board of Elections reviewed the petitions certifying more than enough signatures to put the measure on the ballot. However, protectors of the status quo have taken the issue to court, and the Illinois Supreme Court will decide whether voters will have an opportunity to vote on the reform in November.
We hope the justices will restore the right of Illinois citizens to engage in their democracy by ruling in favor of this citizen initiative, especially given that this strong bipartisan effort has support from nearly two-thirds of Illinois voters.
Illinois government is broken.
Legislative maps are drawn behind closed doors by career political leaders for political purposes, not true representation of voters.
Many civic and community organizations and current and former legislators of both parties believe the 1970 Illinois Constitution grants voters the right to address a map process that now protects self-interests of politicians. These same groups have filed a "friend of the court" brief urging the Supreme Court to let the people have their vote on the Independent Map Amendment.
We continue to believe this reform is fundamental to the restoration of true democracy in Illinois.
The language of the Independent Map Amendment reflects past court decisions regarding compliance with the Illinois Constitution and reflects the best practices and success of states that have implemented redistricting reform.
Please join us in adding your voice as a supporter of our right to vote on redistricting reform in Illinois on Nov. 8.
Kathy Ryg, a Democrat from Vernon Hills, was a member of the Illinois House from 2003 to 2009. Sid Mathias, a Republican from Buffalo Grove, was a member of the Illinois House from 1999 to 2013.