House Dems pass redistricting amendment GOP says will lead to more gerrymandering

(The Center Square) – Democrat state legislators say they are one step closer to standing against attacks on voting rights after the Illinois House passed a proposed constitutional amendment Wednesday. Republicans say the bill will lead to even further gerrymandered districts.

HJRCA 28 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that would change what needs to be considered when drawing electoral district maps in Illinois. It now heads to the state Senate before it can be put to voters on the ballot in November.

Republican lawmakers say the proposed amendment would further enshrine Democrats’ control over state politics.

According to the filing, the priorities in order are for all districts to have near-equal populations; to provide equal opportunity for all citizens, regardless of race; the creation of d...