Map equalizes population and reflects diversity in Cook County

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate and House Redistricting Committees today released a proposed map of new Cook County Judicial Subcircuit boundaries to reflect population shifts that have taken place over the course of three decades.

“The current Cook County subcircuits are extremely outdated and out of proportion population wise,” said Rep. Lisa Hernandez, Chair of the House Redistricting Committee. “These proposed boundaries allow for better representation of the diversity within Cook County for the first time since the subcircuits were created in 1991.”

“It’s important that our judicial system reflect our communities, especially as Cook County becomes increasingly diverse,” said Sen. Omar Aquino, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “These updates are long overdue and will give residents a greater and more equal say in who is trusted to interpret the laws of our state and oversee our legal processes.”

Under this proposal, the number of subcircuits in Cook County will increase from 15 to 20, largely due to the population growth in the Chicagoland area. The subcircuits will be substantially equalized to better reflect the population and demographic shifts that have occurred across the county during the past three decades.

This new map will not impact the tenure of the current judges in Cook County.

Members of the public may request to provide testimony, submit electronic testimony or submit electronic witness slips in advance of the hearings via the General Assembly website www.ilga.gov or through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Those who wish to provide testimony at a hearing location will be given the opportunity to do so as well.

Cook County Subcircuit Hearing

• Thursday, December 16^th at 1:30 p.m. – Joint House and Senate Hearing

Hybrid Hearing – participants may testify via Zoom or in person

Location – Room C-600, 6^th Floor, Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 N LaSalle St. Chicago, IL

Members of the public can also submit their own proposals through the online map portal located on the House and Senate redistricting websites. For that tool and to view the proposed map, visit www.ilsenateredistricting.com or www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting.

Map ensures communities across Illinois receive equal representation in Washington

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a new map of congressional boundaries that will ensure communities across Illinois receive fair and equal representation in Washington.

The boundaries are designed to comply with federal and state law and incorporate suggestions gathered during several public hearings, including the creation of a new district designed to give the state’s growing Latino population greater say at the ballot box.

“I want to thank those who participated in our hearings for their constructive input. This is a fairer map for it,” said Senate President Don Harmon, who sponsored the map legislation. “This map reflects the wonderful diversity of the people of the great state of Illinois.”

Population shifts over the last decade meant the number of residents in previous congressional districts were unbalanced, with major population differences from one district to another. In addition, the loss of a congressional district meant that each district also had to incorporate approximately 50,000 additional people. This map creates districts with nearly identical population counts in each district so that every community in Illinois has an equal say in Congress.

The proposed boundaries can be viewed at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. The measure now heads to the House for approval.

Under the leadership of Senate Democrats, this year’s redistricting process focused on gathering as much public input as possible, allowing for the diversity of Illinois to be reflected at every level of government. In addition to gathering feedback during public hearings, Democrats established the state’s first online map making portal so residents could draw and submit proposed boundaries for lawmakers to consider. Proposed maps drafted using other methods were also accepted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Amended congressional map better reflects Latino population growth and changes based on testimony received at public hearings

SPRINGFIELD – The House and Senate Redistricting Committees today released an updated version of the proposed congressional map that accounts for public feedback while improving minority influence.

“These new proposed congressional boundaries are historic and reflect the great diversity present throughout the state,” said Rep. Lisa Hernandez, Chair of the House Redistricting Committee. “The proposal ensures minorities, as well as the rest of Illinoisans, have an equitable voice in representation in Washington. I want to thank everyone who has participated in helping our bipartisan redistricting committee collect feedback, and I look forward to additional hearings next week.”

“The changes made in this updated congressional map will help ensure the diversity of Illinois is reflected in Washington,” said Sen. Omar Aquino, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “We appreciate the many advocacy groups and individuals that continue to guide our work with passion and dedication, as we remain focused on the creation of a fair map that will provide equal representation for all.”

This amended version of the proposed congressional boundaries reflects changes based on testimony received in previous hearings. For example, the map keeps the Round Lakes area together in one Congressional District. This proposal also creates a new coalition district to enhance minority influence.  

The proposal can be viewed at www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting and www.ilsenateredistricting.com. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during additional hearings next week.

Tentative Hearing Schedule:

• House Hearing: Tuesday, October 26 (Time/Location TBD)
• Senate Hearing: Wednesday, October 27 (Time/Location TBD)

Details on the hearing schedule will be forthcoming as times and locations are finalized. These will be hybrid hearings with the opportunity for in-person and virtual testimony. Those wishing to provide testimony, submit electronic testimony or submit electronic witness slips can do so in advance of the hearing via the General Assembly website www.ilga.gov or through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The House and Senate Redistricting Committees also encourage the public to utilize the map making portal. This tool allows residents to draw and submit proposed boundaries for lawmakers to consider. The portal can be accessed at www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting or www.ilsenatedems.com/redistricting. While the portal will remain open for the duration of these redistricting efforts, residents are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as possible. Returning users that have previously used the portal do not need to create a new account.

The General Assembly is expected to vote on new congressional boundaries by the end of the scheduled fall veto session.

SPRINGFIELD – Sen. Omar Aquino, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, has issued the following statement regarding the release of proposed congressional boundaries:

“In order to provide additional time for the public to review the newly released congressional boundaries, the Senate Redistricting Committee will reschedule a hearing originally scheduled to take place this afternoon. Those who have requested to testify will be able to do so next week when the committee will reconvene to gather further input on the proposed boundaries ahead of a vote by the General Assembly,” said Sen. Omar Aquino, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “I’d like to thank those who have already taken time to share their thoughts and look forward to ongoing conversations about the best way to ensure the diversity of Illinois is reflected in Washington.”

Additional information about the proposed congressional boundaries can be found at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. Feedback including comments on the proposed maps as well as alternative map proposals can be submitted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The next hearing of the Senate Redistricting Committee will take place on Wednesday, October 20 at 2 p.m. in Room 212 of the Illinois State Capitol. Those wishing to provide testimony, submit electronic testimony or submit electronic witness slips can do so in advance of the hearing via the General Assembly website www.ilga.gov or through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..