SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Senate has approved a plan to let voters choose a new way to draw legislative districts.
A plan by Democratic Sen. Kwame Raoul of Chicago would give the job of drawing political lines to an independent commission appointed by Supreme Court justices. It was approved 39-19.
If the House approves, voters will consider the question in November’s election.
For 40 years redistricting has been left to a system that often is decided by drawing out of a hat the name of the party to control the process.
A second amendment by Democratic Sen. Tom Cullerton of Villa Park to eliminate the office of lieutenant governor failed 21-28. Cullerton says it would save the state $1.6 million annually.
The resolutions are SJRCA30 and SJRCA29.