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..

Public encouraged to provide feedback at upcoming public hearings or through online portal

SPRINGFIELD – The House and Senate Redistricting Committees have released a proposed map of new congressional boundaries designed to comply with federal law and ensure the broad diversity of the state is reflected in the elected officials sent to represent Illinois in Washington D.C.

The release of this draft comes after a series of public House and Senate hearings held across the state intended to collect as much input and testimony as possible. The proposal can be viewed at www.ilhousedems.com/redistricting and www.ilsenateredistricting.com. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during additional hearings that will begin next week.

“This proposal is an excellent first draft that amplifies diverse voices and gives every person in our state a say in government,” said Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, Chairperson of the House Redistricting Committee. “I look forward to ongoing discussion with members of the public, advocacy groups, and community organizations as we continue this effort to ensure our congressional boundaries reflect the diversity of this great state.”

“Population changes over the last decade meant many of the current districts were unbalanced. This proposed map is an effort to ensure every community across our state receives fair and equal representation in Washington,” said Sen. Elgie Sims, Vice Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “We thank those who have taken time to participate in this process and look forward to receiving continued feedback from voices across Illinois.”

Finalized hearings for the House and Senate are as follows:

• House Hearing: Wednesday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 114
• Senate Hearing: Wednesday, October 20 at 2 p.m. at the Illinois State Capitol, Room 212 (Virtual Hearing – participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Additional hearing information will be forthcoming as dates 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 General Assembly is expected to vote on new congressional boundaries by the end of the scheduled fall veto session.

Public encouraged to weigh in as General Assembly considers new boundaries

SPRINGFIELD – The Senate Redistricting Committee will hold a series of public hearings to gather input on new Congressional and judicial subcircuit boundaries following information recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

At least five hearings will take place as the General Assembly prepares to vote on new maps, and the public is encouraged to weigh in by providing testimony about potential changes or submitting proposed maps for the committee to consider.

The hearings will take place both virtually and in-person to ensure stakeholders from across the state can safely participate during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 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..

Residents can also draw and submit proposed boundaries through a recently relaunched online map making portal, which can be accessed at www.ilsenateredistricting.com. Returning users that have previously used the portal do not need to create a new account. Maps can also be drawn using other programs and submitted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“It is more important than ever that the diversity of our state is reflected in Washington, and we encourage residents across Illinois to take advantage of these opportunities to make their voices heard,” said Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “Providing numerous ways for the public to participate in the mapmaking process is the best way to ensure every person in Illinois receives fair and equal representation.”

In addition to seeking input on new boundaries for Congressional and current judicial subcircuits, some hearings will also explore the potential creation of subcircuits in counties with a population of more than 150,000 people.

“As demographics evolve and populations shift, it’s important our judicial system reflect those changes,” said Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago, Vice Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee. “By updating judicial subcircuit boundaries, and potentially creating new subcircuits in areas that have seen population growth, we will be giving residents a greater say in who should be entrusted to uphold the laws of our state.”

The hearing schedule is as follows:

• Friday, October 8, 10:00 a.m., Oakton Community College, Room 1608/1610, 1600 Golf Road, Des Plaines (in-person and virtual)

Subject: Congressional boundaries and Cook County Subcircuits

• Tuesday, October 12, 2:00 p.m., Chicago State University, 4th Floor Board Room, Gwendolyn Brooks Library, 9501 South King Dr., Chicago (in-person and virtual)

Subject: Congressional boundaries and Cook County Subcircuits

• Wednesday, October 13, 4:00 p.m., Elgin Area Community College, Seigle Auditorium in Building E,  1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin (Virtual Hearing – participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Subject: Congressional boundaries, current Subcircuits in Will and Kane Counties and the potential creation of subcircuits in counties with a population of more than 150,000

• Thursday, October 14, 12:00 p.m., Illinois State Capitol, Room 409, Springfield (Virtual Hearing – participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Subject: Congressional boundaries and the potential creation of subcircuits in counties with a population of more than 150,000

• Friday, October 15, 2:00 p.m. at Dunn Richmond Economic Center, Conference Room 241, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale (Virtual Hearing – participants may testify at the hearing location or via Zoom)

Subject: Congressional boundaries and the potential creation of subcircuits in counties with a population of more than 150,000