Every ten years after the U.S. Census is taken, Illinois redraws its Congressional and Legislative District maps. The current process allows the politicians to draw their own legislative districts taking the people totally out of the process. This then makes legislators beholden to their leaders who draw their districts not to the people they represent. While this has worked well for politicians in the past, it has not for the people of this state.

Recently, I signed on as a sponsor for Senate Joint Resolution-Constitutional Amendment 4 that would give voters the opportunity to amend the Constitution to create a new, non-partisan system for drawing legislative maps.

Recognizing that it is time to take politics out of the process, this legislation gives voters the power to establish an independent redistricting commission, increase transparency in the redistricting process and provide for public hearings to allow Illinois residents to weigh in.

After decades of unrepresentative district mapping and uncompetitive elections, it is time to remove politics from the process, and empower the people of Illinois to actively participate.

If this legislation passes, we can put the power to affect change where it belongs – in your hands. In the past, efforts to put redistricting reform on the ballot have been blocked by the courts and entrenched political leaders.

If you believe that you should have a voice in the redistricting process, that you should be able to cast your vote on this issue, visit my website at senatordavesyverson.com and sign the fair maps petition.

Please join me in affecting real change for our state and put an end to district maps drawn for personal interest.