Plan to setup independent redistricting in Illinois is blocked by court challenge in latest twist

Independent Maps, the non-partisan coalition advocating impartial state legislative maps, issued the following statement in response to a lawsuit filed by opponents of fair elections.

Dennis FitzSimons, Chair of Independent Maps, said:

“Political insiders want to deny voters the chance to reform Illinois government. Independent polls show close to two-thirds of Illinois voters are ready to vote ‘yes’ on an independent, transparent and impartial process for drawing state legislative maps. Springfield insiders aren’t willing to risk those odds and would rather cynically preempt at the courthouse what they cannot win at the ballot box.

“Plain and simple, this lawsuit is a struggle for power. It is Illinois politicians struggling to retain the power to manipulate elections versus citizens demanding reform. We knew this lawsuit would be the response to our submission of 570,000 petition signatures from Illinois voters, and we are ready to aggressively defend the constitutionality and fairness of the Independent Map Amendment.”

Contributions to help wage this legal battle are welcome. Anyone wishing to contribute can send checks to Independent Maps, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 902, Chicago, IL, 60611. Contributions also can be made by credit card through the Independent Maps website ( www.MapAmendment.org). Support Independent Maps is a political action committee registered with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Paid for by Support Independent Maps. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website ( www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the Illinois State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.