Title
A RESOLUTION URGING THE ILLINOIS HOUSE AND SENATE REDISTRICTING COMMITTEES TO POSTPONE MEETINGS TO GATHER ACCURATE REDISTRICTING DATA TO ELIMINATE GERRYMANDERING
Body
WHEREAS, obtaining an accurate count of the population is so vital to our democracy that the framers of the U.S. Constitution addressed the issue of apportionment in the opening paragraphs of the constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois Constitution requires Illinois lawmakers to redraw legislative districts each decade on the basis of population, so as to ensure each resident the same rights and access to government; and
WHEREAS, every ten years, Illinois lawmakers have the power to redraw their own state legislative districts and protect their seats against challengers; and
WHEREAS, this gerrymandering process results in legislators purposefully creating unfair districts that benefit political aspirations and harm our democracy; and
WHEREAS, gerrymandering predetermines outcomes, increases polarization, and produces uncompetitive elections, career politicians, and governmental deadlock, all because politicians have little to no reason to fear the consequences of being voted out of office; and
WHEREAS, gerrymandering is not a Democrat or Republican issue but is a democracy issue; and
WHEREAS, the citizens need maps that are drawn to truly represent the best interests of people across the state that allow them to meaningfully participate in our democracy; and
WHEREAS, Illinoisans deserve a truly transparent and equitable mapping process; and
WHEREAS, the Census Bureau has announced that the timeline for the release of census data would be delayed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, to date, state lawmakers have not demonstrated that current and accurate data will be used as required by the U.S. Constitution, Illinois Constitution and applicable laws; and
WHEREAS, witnesses from multiple advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the flawed redistricting plans; a...
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