Illinois House Backs Redistricting Amendment Prioritizing Minority Representation

Overview

• The House passed HJRCA 28 in a 74–38 vote, sending the measure to the Senate for action before the May 3 ballot deadline.
• The amendment replaces the current compactness-first rule with ranked priorities that start with equal population and protecting minority voting power, then allow coalition or influence districts, require contiguity, and place compactness last as practicable.
• Democrats led by Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch say the change would safeguard representation for Black, Latino, and other minority voters if federal voting-rights protections are weakened.
• Republicans argue the plan dilutes the compactness rule and could entrench partisan gerrymandering, citing a lawsuit alleging 52 House districts already flout Illinois’ compactness standard.
• If the Senate approves the measure, voters—not the governor—decide the amendment in November because Illinois constitutional amendments go straight to the ballot after clearing both chambers.