Contributed photo
Contributed photo
With an Aug. 26 deadline just around the corner for Illinois’ statewide referendum question to be placed on November’s ballot, Independent Map Amendment supporters are still hoping for a win despite a recent initial setback.
Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Larsen recently ruled as unconstitutional a proposed amendment to strip the power of drawing legislative maps from the Illinois General Assembly and reassign it to an independent commission.
After the judge sided with the opponents on all seven objections, Independent Maps coalition Chairman Dennis FitzSimons appealed to the state Supreme Court.
"We are disappointed that Judge Larsen has ruled against the Independent Map Amendment and the 564,000 Illinois residents who signed a petition to change a broken system and eliminate the inherent conflict of interest, where politicians draw their own legislative districts," FitzSimons said after the Democratic judge made her decision.
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