Yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais is a reminder that redistricting must follow the Constitution and treat every voter fairly. As we saw last week, House Democrats attempted to strengthen their grip on partisan power with HJRCA 28.
This proposed amendment, while pitched to protect democracy, worked to secure partisan political power. Voters deserve free and fair elections. Elections where representatives are chosen by the people, not politicians choosing their voters.
What is clear is that fairness in elections and mapmaking is non-negotiable. As a legislature, we need to work together to establish fair maps, not to secure political power. The people of Illinois are counting on us to do the right thing and that certainly isn’t pushing for further disenfranchisement of Illinois voters.