Rockford Sun

State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and other Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would remove politics from redistricting and leave the map-making process up to the people.

The People's Independent Maps Act, Senate Bill 1325, would leave the decision on how legislative and congressional districts are designed to a 16-member, independent commission that the state Supreme Court appoints.

"Under Illinois' current system, politicians have the power to draw the district maps for the next ten years, manipulating the system to silence voters and keep majority-party politicians in power," Syverson wrote in an April 9th post on his Facebook page. "This proposal is our way of seeking to restore public trust in the system by putting an end to the absurd practice of politicians picking their voters."

According to a release posted on Syverson's Senate website, if passed, the bill would take redistricting entirely out of politicians' hands by banning lawmakers, state employees, and even lobbyists from serving on the commission. 

It would also make sure that committee members are evenly divided when it comes to party affiliation. 

Syverson, a co-sponsor of the bill, also serves on the Senate Northern Illinois Redistricting Subcommittee as the Sub-Minority Spokesperson.