Redistricting

Bloomington aims to have its new ward boundaries in place this summer, reflecting the past decade’s population shifts.

With about six months left before the June 28 primary election, state lawmakers are firming up plans to run for office in newly-drawn districts. Or in one case, not run.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed legislation redrawing the state’s congressional district maps, saying they reflect Illinois’ diversity and preserve minority representation.

Five people, including three McLean County Board members, spoke at Monday's public hearing on the county's three proposed county board maps.

McLean County's Red, White and Blue public advisory committee that created three proposed county district maps will hear public feedback on those plans Monday night. The county formed the 24-member panel to try to remove politics from the county's drawing of board districts.

Illinois lawmakers gave final approval in the early hours of Friday morning to a new congressional redistricting plan that divides the state into 17 districts, one fewer than it currently has due to its loss of population since the 2010 U.S. Census.

Republican incumbents Darin LaHood and Adam Kinzinger would be shoved into the same congressional district under an updated version of the redistricting map released Saturday.

Members of the public got their first chance to speak directly to state lawmakers Wednesday about a proposed set of new congressional district maps, and most of those who did were critical of the plan.

The chair of the McLean County Democrats said he is not satisfied with the proposed congressional redistricting unveiled ahead of discussion in Springfield this week.

A political scientist says Illinois Democrats likely moved much of Bloomington-Normal into a new congressional district because they see one seat as vulnerable to a Republican challenge.