Independent group should draw map

Legislative gerrymandering seldom generates front page headlines. That is unfortunate, because it goes to the heart of democracy.

"Gerrymandering" is the drawing of legislative district boundaries in ways that predetermine election results. Sophisticated computer programs are used to create "safe" districts for the majority party. It leaves voters without real choices in elections.

That was the clear message heard in statewide hearings held by the Illinois Senate's Committee on Redistricting. The next several weeks will reveal whether the hearings were a start to reform or mere window dressing aimed at running out the clock before the deadline for putting constitutional amendments on the 2010 ballot.

During the hearings, no one defended the status quo.

Unfortunately, some myths are being advanced. They could give cover to those who hope to derail reform. Let's be clear about some things:

No one suggested that some magical computer would automatically draw districts. What has been suggested is that the same computer programs already used to develop grossly gerrymandered districts can also be used by an independent body to draw fair, logical districts.

There is nothing about the federal Voting Rights Act that conflicts with fair map-making. Every state must comply with the federal Voting Rights Act, not just Illinois.

We may see competing reform proposals advanced. The simplest criteria for judging them should be this – will the lines be drawn openly by an independent body? Or will they be drawn by the very people who intend to run in those districts?

State Sen. DALE RIGHTER

Illinois Senate Republicans

Mattoon