illinois voters and remap reform
DESCRIPTION
Time series data on two reform proposals --Charlie Leonard, Paul Simon Institute visiting professor – April 30, 2013, Springfield, ILTRANSCRIPT
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