Independent Maps argues lower court ruling would eviscerate right of Illinoisans to propose constitutional reforms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a final brief presented to the Illinois Supreme Court, attorneys for Independent Maps argued a lower court's ruling against the constitutionality of the redistricting reform amendment is contrary to both the intent of the drafters of the 1970 Illinois Constitution and the plain language of the constitution's provision allowing voters to propose amendments.

If the Cook County Circuit Court ruling is not reversed, it "would eviscerate the constitutional right conferred on the people of Illinois by the 1970 Constitution to bypass self-interested legislators and directly propose needed reforms," according to the brief filed Tuesday.

"If you read the debates of the constitutional convention, it is clear that the drafters created an amendment initiative process to allow Illinoisans to propose changes in critical areas where legislators have too much self-interest and would resist change," said Dennis FitzSimons, Chair of Independent Maps. "Legislators currently can draw district boundaries to help their own chances of winning the next election, making redistricting a prime example of legislative self-interest where citizens need to step in and propose reform. It is up to the Illinois Supreme Court to restore the democratic rights of Illinoisans and let voters decide whether to amend their state constitution."

The brief argues that the lawsuit filed against the Independent Map Amendment ignores the constitutional convention debates and so narrowly interprets what the constitution allows to be amended by citizen initiative that "it would be impossible for anyone to put a meaningful proposal for redistricting reform on the ballot."

Similar to reforms enacted by voters in California and Arizona, the Independent Map Amendment would create an independent commission to draw legislative district boundaries without regard to incumbency or partisanship. It would protect the voting rights of racial and ethnic minorities and allow the public to view and participate in redistricting.

The full text of the news release and PDF of the brief is available here: http://www.mapamendment.org/news/10682

Paid for by Support Independent Maps.  A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website (http://www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the Illinois State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.

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SOURCE Independent Maps

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