Analysis finds that reporting by donors on Illinois redistricting lobbying donations is lacking

From the Independent Maps Coalition:

In light of the People’s Map ballot initiative committee’s minimal disclosure of financial information, the Independent Maps coalition has asked the Illinois State Board of Elections (ISBE) to review the People’s Map campaign finance reports and to clarify financial disclosure regulations governing contributions and expenditures in connection with ballot initiatives.

According to recent news reports and campaign finance documents on file with the ISBE, six political action committees reported contributing $2,000 each to People’s Map in 2015, but People’s Map has not reported the receipt of any contributions. “To date, not one of these contributions has been reported by the People’s Map,” states the letter signed by Dennis FitzSimons, Chair of Independent Maps. “What is the length of time which a committee may hold a check without depositing or returning it before triggering the State Board of Elections’ Regulation 100.90 regarding provision circumvention?”

In addition to expenditures involved in sending letters and making calls to backers of the Independent Map Amendment, the People’s Map filed a lawsuit aimed at knocking the redistricting reform constitutional amendment off the November ballot. Their attorneys first prepared the lawsuit and argued in Cook County Circuit Court, and they are now representing People’s Map before the Illinois Supreme Court.

“Regarding Circuit Court and Supreme Court litigation, the plaintiff in any lawsuit pays a filing fee to the court,” the letter states. “The costs of court reporters, copying and the like are also significant – not to mention hourly billing for attorneys as well as law firm support personnel. Not one of these expense items has been disclosed to the public. In contrast, Independent Maps has scrupulously disclosed all contributions received and expenditures made, complying with both the spirit and letter of the Campaign Finance Act.”

The letter concluded: “Our intent in writing this letter is to fully understand Illinois regulations for ballot initiative committees and to see that the same rules apply to all involved. The citizens of Illinois deserve to see not only a clarification of campaign finance regulations but also to be aware of who is financing the People’s Map campaign to deny voters the opportunity to amend their own constitution.”