Approved redistricted maps by Illinois Democrats in 2021 solidified their political dominance for the next decade
The redrawing of district maps emerges as a powerful tool that shapes the political landscape in Illinois for at least the next decade. The maps approved by Illinois Democrats in 2021 have ignited a debate, with critics arguing that they not only solidify Democratic dominance but also illustrate the challenges in the state’s redistricting process.
In a series of private mapmaking sessions, the all-powerful Democratic majority in Illinois strategically utilized the state’s population loss to bolster Democratic districts. The outcome included the addition of a Hispanic-majority blue seat in Congress and the displacement of two Republican representatives – a move that has far-reaching consequences on the balance of power within the state.
Federal law grants each state’s legislature the initial authority for congressional redistricting, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. In Illinois, the state constitution further requires redistricting every ten years, coinciding with the U.S. Census [3]. However, since 1970, the redistricting power has intermittently shifted to commissions when lawmakers fail to reach a consensus. This process has led to a unique tie-breaking mechanism, reminiscent of a less whimsical version of the Harry Potter sorting hat.