The process for drawing new district maps for Cook County Commissioner Districts is under way. The League of Women Voters of Cook County urges citizens to become involved in this process as the 17 new commissioner district boundaries that will result will be in effect for the next 10 years.
The Cook County Board’s Redistricting Committee has outlined a plan for public hearings, as well as a process for the public to submit maps, but you will have to hurry if you want to be involved in this public part of the redistricting process as it is presently scheduled to be completed by May 1. You can access information on both the schedule for the public hearings and the mapping process at the LWVCC website at www.cookcounty.il.lwvnet.
The LWVCC believes that the May 1 deadline should be extended to allow more time for the public to submit maps. In addition, the LWVCC has urged the redistricting committee to provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on any maps chosen by the committee before votes are taken by the Cook County Board on the final proposed maps.
The Cook County Redistricting Committee has an opportunity to make sure that the county process is open and transparent and truly reflects the interests of the citizens, rather than the interests of the incumbents. The state Legislature and city of Chicago redistricting processes provided minimal opportunity for public input. The LWVCC encourages this paper to cover this redistricting process to help keep the public informed. The LWVCC also encourages people to attend the public hearings and let their commissioners know that they are interested in the process. Make your voice heard.
— Cynthia Schilsky, president, League of Women Voters of Cook County, Chicago
