CHICAGO – The Supreme Court has now heard two gerrymandering cases this term. Both cases consider the constitutionality of partisan gerrymandering – the first, a Republican gerrymander from Wisconsin (Gill v. Whitford) and the second, today’s Democratic gerrymandering from Maryland (Benisek v. Lamone).

CHANGE Illinois is encouraged by the United States Supreme Court’s willingness to enter the political thicket and hear arguments on Republican and Democratic gerrymandering cases this term.

Based on today’s arguments at the Supreme Court, it is clear that the nine justices are being very considerate on how to address the issue of partisan gerrymandering.

If the Court establishes a new constitutional standard prohibiting partisan gerrymandering, this would apply nationwide and could be the necessary impetus to encourage Illinois lawmakers to finally change the state’s flawed redistricting process.

“The Maryland gerrymandering case is an all-too-familiar story for Illinois,” stated CHANGE Illinois spokesperson, Jeff Raines. “Instead of an independent commission system that puts the needs of the people first, we have this absurd scenario in which the fox is in charge of the henhouse.”

CHANGE Illinois is one of the leading organizations pushing for the Fair Maps Amendment (HJRCA43/SJRCA26), an Illinois constitutional amendment that would establish an independent citizens commission to draw the maps instead of partisan politicians. The Fair Maps has been introduced by Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago).