Advocates seeking to change how Illinois draws its legislative districts are following through on a promise to keep trying, even after getting knocked off of this year's ballot.
Members of the "Yes for Independent Maps" effort cheered when they turned in half million signatures to state elections authorities in May.
It was what they thought was going to land their constitutional amendment question on the November ballot, so voters could decide if, in the future, they wanted to strip lawmakers of the ability to draw their own legislative districts.
The celebration was short-lived.
Elections authorities ruled that not enough of those signatures were valid. Then a judge ruled that the redistricting proposal was flawed.
Organizers gave up, and suspended the campaign.
But not for good.
The group CHANGE Illinois is trying to keep redistricting efforts alive going forward, beginning by looking back; it's trying to document what worked, and what didn't, and has a survey asking for potential solutions.
It's also looking for donations; an email from CHANGE Illinois' CEO, Ryan Blitstein, asks for contributions to "ensure that CHANGE has the resources to leave no stone unturned as we collect lessons that will lead to real reform for Illinois."
