South Central Reporter

A movement to knock gerrymandering off the top shelf of Illinois politics is in full effect, as state Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) is vociferously calling for “non-political” redistricting and an end to partisan map-drawing and vote selection.

“Gerrymandering in Illinois should not be handled by politicians,” community activist Christopher Hicks told South Central Reporter. “I believe in an independent redistricting commission being established in order to address the drawing of legislative districts in the future.”

Hammond has implored proponents of independent political-district mapping to sign a petition in support of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (HJRCA) 10, legislation that would strip the map-making authority from state lawmakers and put it into the hands of an independent commission.

Community activist Christopher Hicks

“I am supportive of HJRCA 10 as it calls for the independent drawing of legislative maps,” Hicks said. “I am a big fan of the independent commission being required to hold public hearings both before and after releasing a proposed plan.”

The U.S. Supreme Court recently voted 5-4 that federal courts cannot hear claims of gerrymandering, a disappointing decision for many proponents of HJRCA 10.  

“The Supreme Court should hear cases of gerrymandering," Hicks said. "Since the Supreme Court has ruled to not get involved in cases of gerrymandering, it is time for our elected officials to step up and fix the issue. Gov. Pritzker and the General Assembly need to put this on a ballot in 2020 and let the voters decide.”

Hicks believes gerrymandering reform is necessary and that any process in the creation of legislative districts needs complete transparency. In addition, he feels that limits need to be placed on the number of gifts legislators can receive and that state lawmakers should be prohibited from serving as paid lobbyists.