What is the Fair Map Amendment?
The Fair Map Amendment to the Illinois constitution would change the state’s process for creating legislative districts.
Its intent is to make the redistricting process less political and more transparent.

What is the problem? Illinois’ Legislative Mapping Process is Flawed & Political
Under the existing system, legislator’s leaders name 8 people to a Redistricting Commission. Two members
must be sitting legislators.
For the last 3 decades, the tie breaking process has involved drawing a name from a hat to determine whether
the Republicans or the Democrats win full power to create the district map.
Districts are currently drawn to protect incumbents –with the existing mapping process, incumbents have won
their elections at a 95% success rate
The current system gives too much power to the General Assembly

What are advantages of the proposed amendment for a fair mapping process?
The amendment is based on a bipartisan Citizens’ Commission Proposal (Illinois Reform Commission).
An Independent Commission, rather than legislators, would draw maps. The Commission’s members
o Could not have worked as a lobbyist or for the state for 4 years before being appointed
o Could not be elected to the General Assembly for 10 years after their service.
Maps would be drawn in an open and transparent process, with public input.
Specific, neutral criteria must be used to draw maps to protect minority voting rights and aim to eliminate
partisan advantage
Map drawers may not unduly favor any political party. Maps would be drawn for people, not politicians.
Approval would require a 2/3 vote of the General Assembly; the Governor is removed from the approval
process
Currently a tie is broken by drawing from a hat to see which party controls the redistricting process. With the
amendment, if the legislature fails to approve a map after two have been submitted, the Independent
Commission will make the final decision.

Why should we handle this through an amendment to the Constitution?
There are two ways to change the system – through the legislature, or through the citizens.
o The legislature did not change the system in 2009.
o It is unlikely they will change the system since it currently serves their best interests.
To place the amendment on the November ballot, 500,000 signatures of registered voters are needed by end of
April. Voters must sign a petition specific to their election authority (e.g. Kane County). If the people vote for
the new IL Fair Map Amendment in November, it will become law and Illinois will have a redistricting
process that is transparent and fair.

Who supports the Fair Map Amendment?
Illinois League of Women Voters
Better Government Association
IL Campaign for Political Reform
Common Cause - Illinois
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Americans for Prosperity
Illinois Alliance for Growth
United Power for Action and Justice

When does redistricting occur? Every 10 years, following a Census.

What does my signature on the petition mean?
It means you are helping to place the amendment on the November ballot.

If this proposal is approved when will this new process be put into effect?
The first map using this new process must be provided to each Chamber by the third Monday in May 2011. The process must be completed by Sept. 30, 2011, at which time the redrawn districts will be in effect.

Where can I find more information about the Fair Map Amendment? http://www.ilfairmap.com/

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