Redistricting hearings continue to ensure Illinois residents have say in fair map

GRAYSLAKE – State Senators Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) are leading efforts to gather input from communities of interest to create a fair map that reflects the broad racial and geographic diversity of Lake and McHenry Counties. 

The three Lake County Senators recently chaired one of more than a dozen regional hearings scheduled to be held by the Senate Redistricting Caucus in the coming weeks as lawmakers seek input from the public in order to craft a fair map that reflects the diversity of Illinois. That includes the state’s racial and geographic diversity, among other factors.

“Nothing is more important that ensuring the residents who are affected by redistricting have their needs considered,” Morrison said. “Coming together with community leaders who work with people throughout the area allow us to learn what we must prioritize during our remap.”

The Senate Democratic Caucus is focused on inclusion, with hearings being held both in person and virtually, allowing for say from stakeholders in all of Illinois’ 102 counties. For the first time, anyone who wishes to propose a new legislative boundary map can draw a map online by visiting ilsenateredistricting.com/draw-your-own-map.

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Tool increases public participation, allows anyone to draw and submit boundary proposals

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus and the Illinois House Democratic Caucus have launched a new online portal that allows members of the public to draw and submit proposed legislative boundaries. The move builds on the commitment of Democrats to engage in a redistricting process that is transparent and fair, encouraging input from communities across the state as legislators work to draft a fair map that reflects the diversity of Illinois.

The portal presents the first time in Illinois history that the public can go online to craft proposed maps, allowing for greater access and public participation in the once-a-decade redistricting process. All maps submitted through the portal will be reviewed as part of the public record. The portal can be accessed online day or night at www.ilsenateredistricting.com and www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting.

“Senate Democrats are dedicated to ensuring all voices are heard, as that is the best way to ensure the creation of a fair map that reflects our state’s wide racial, geographic, religious and socioeconomic diversity. This online portal presents yet another way for the public to meaningfully engage in the redistricting process, and we look forward to seeing the various proposals that will be submitted,” said Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “We know our communities have changed dramatically in the last decade, and the best way to learn about those changes is through the volunteer groups, neighborhood organizations and religious institutions on the ground every day – especially in Latinx, African American and other minority communities that have historically been excluded.”

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Redistricting hearings continue to ensure Illinois residents have say in fair map

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) is leading efforts to gather input from communities of interest to create a fair map that reflects the broad racial and geographic diversity of Chicago.

Peters recently chaired one of more than a dozen regional hearings scheduled to be held by the Senate Redistricting Caucus in the coming weeks as lawmakers seek input from the public in order to craft a fair map that reflects the diversity of Illinois. That includes the state’s racial, religious and geographic diversity, among other factors.

“We were fortunate to hear from a variety of different groups that spoke to the diversity of neighbors across the South Side of Chicago,” Peters said. “These hearings provide us an opportunity to hear from organizations that work directly with residents in our communities on a daily basis.”

At the Chicago-South Subcommittee Hearing, committee members heard from representatives from the Blackroots Alliance, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, and the IL Muslim Civic Coalition.

The Senate Democratic Caucus is focused on inclusion, with hearings being held both in person and virtually, allowing for say from stakeholders in all of Illinois’ 102 counties. For the first time, anyone who wishes to propose a new legislative boundary map will soon be able to draw and submit a map online.

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Redistricting Hearings Ensure Voices from Across Illinois Have Say in Fair Map

PEORIA – Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is leading efforts to ensure communities across northern Illinois receive fair representation as legislators begin the once-a-decade process of drawing new legislative boundaries.

Koehler recently helped lead one of more than a dozen regional hearings scheduled to be held by the Senate Redistricting Caucus in the coming weeks as lawmakers seek input from the public in order to craft a fair map that reflects the diversity of Illinois. That includes the state’s racial, religious and geographic diversity, among other factors.

The Senate Democratic Caucus is focused on inclusion, with hearings being held both in-person and virtually, allowing for say from stakeholders in all of Illinois’ 102 counties. For the first time, anyone who wishes to propose a new legislative boundary map will soon be able to draw and submit a map online.

Read more ...