A New Push for Redistricting

Illinois State Representative Travis Weaver is renewing a push to change how the state draws legislative districts. The Edwards Republican wants a constitutional amendment creating new redistricting rules, arguing current maps split communities and leave many voters underrepresented. His proposal faces a steep challenge: approval from three-fifths of both the Illinois House and Senate before voters could decide. Democrats expanded their supermajorities in the latest election, making support from the majority party essential. Government reform advocate Brian Costin says public pressure and bipartisan pledges will be key. Weaver says his plan would emphasize transparency, including public access to mapping software and instructions.