Peoria Standard

Questions are being raised about the fairness of the state's redistricting process as the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus holds regional hearings to gather input from the public before new district maps are created.

The redistricting process is done every 10 years following the census and is supposed to ensure that communities receive fair and equal representation.

The redistricting process can be highly partisan, with charges of gerrymandering by the ruling political party. Republicans, who are in the minority in the House and Senate, have proposed legislation to limit Democratic lawmakers' influence by proposing legislation to create a court-appointed independent citizens commission to lead the effort.

A Chicago Tribune editorial said that the Democratic-led Senate was already creating maps behind the scenes, citing unnamed sources, despite census data not yet available.

Republican lawmakers also criticized the two virtual redistricting committee hearings were held at the same time.

"These meetings are essential to the future of our state, and it is disappointing and nonsensical for the House Redistricting Committee to be convened in two instances simultaneously, Illinois Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) said in an April 4 Twitter post. "It shows a completely disingenuous interest in meaningful public input."

The Senate Redistricting Committee Northwest Illinois Subcommittee will be held virtually at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 8 at www.ilga.gov.

Visitors can find more information about the hearing process at www.ilsenateredistricting.com.