Failure of Redistricting Measure Shows Need to Include People's Voice

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Apr 29, 2010, 06:21 ET

Statement by Bob Gallo State Director for AARP Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today's vote by the House of Representatives, defeating the Democratic proposal for redistricting by 69-47, should not be a surprise to Illinois citizens as it shows that partisan gridlock continues. The vote underscored the importance of bipartisan support for these types of measures, and it showed the urgent need to include the people's voice in how political maps are drawn in Illinois.

Illinois should enact legislation that vests the authority for redrawing political maps in an independent commission. This commission must represent the geographic and demographic diversity of Illinois citizens.

SJRCA 121, the defeated measure, failed to meet those criteria as it vested the redistricting authority in the Legislature itself. It was not real reform.

On behalf of our 1.7 million Illinois members, AARP urges the General Assembly to start a redistricting process that is transparent and that provides meaningful opportunities for the public and for all stakeholders to participate effectively. It should also be a process that garners support on both sides of the aisle.

SOURCE AARP Illinois