Illinois Voters and Remap Reform

Time series data on two reform proposals

--Charlie Leonard, Paul Simon Institute visiting professor – April 30, 2013, Springfield, IL

Current Law

• Districts must be “compact and contiguous”

Current Law

• Districts must be “compact and contiguous”– “Contiguous” is precise; “compact” is not

Current Law

• Districts must be “compact and contiguous”– “Contiguous” is precise; “compact” is not

• 24 states include language about preserving “communities of interest.” Illinois does not.

Current Law

• Districts must be “compact and contiguous”– “Contiguous” is precise; “compact” is not

• 24 states include language about preserving “communities of interest.” Illinois does not.

• In “safe” districts, incumbents worry about primary, not general election challenges

Current Law

• Districts must be “compact and contiguous”– “Contiguous” is precise; “compact” is not

• 24 states include language about preserving “communities of interest.” Illinois does not.

• In “safe” districts, incumbents worry about primary, not general election challenges– Primary voters more partisan and ideologically

extreme than general election voters

Current System

• If Legislature can’t agree on a map

Current System

• If Legislature can’t agree on a map– Eight-member redistricting commission

Current System

• If Legislature can’t agree on a map– Eight-member redistricting commission– If partisan tie, draw winning party from a hat

Current System

• If Legislature can’t agree on a map– Eight-member redistricting commission– If partisan tie, draw winning party from a hat• Encourages parties to draw most partisan,

advantageous map possible—why compromise?

Reform 1: Neutral Commissioner

• In case of partisan tie on redistricting commission, have the Supreme Court appoint a neutral member to break tie

Reform 1: Neutral Commissioner

• In case of partisan tie on redistricting commission, have the Supreme Court appoint a neutral member to break tie– Simon Poll has been testing this reform since ‘09

Reform 1: Neutral Commissioner

Reform 1: Neutral Commissioner

Reform 2: Independent Panel

• Have an independent panel draw redistricting map for legislature and governor to approve– Simon Poll has been testing this reform since 2010

Reform 2: Independent Panel

Reform 2: Independent Panel

Conclusion

• Both reforms enjoy strong support over time• Intensity of support growing• Support for both remains strong among

regional and partisan subgroups