IL House Democrats approve redistricting constitutional amendment language, send plan to Senate

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois House Democrats approved a plan Wednesday to amend the state constitution with new redistricting language.

House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) filed a resolution this week to change how legislative districts are darn in favor of Democrats.

It states districts should be drawn substantially equal in population, ensure citizens have equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect people on account of race.

"Our current and even more radical US Supreme Court is considering gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act completely," Welch said. "It is undeniable that the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to dismantle these protections."

The constitutional amendment resolution also states lawmakers must create racial districts where possible and ensure they're compact and contiguous.

House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 passed out of the House on a partisan 74-38 vote. It now heads to the Senate, but the resolution must be approved by May 3 for voters to see the question on the November ballot.

"This constitutional amendment will not empower you. It will disenfranchise you," said Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). "We cannot use diversity as a sword and shield only when necessary to protect political power. That's what this constitutional amendment does."