State Representative Paul Jacobs voted against a proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution that would change how legislative district maps are drawn, according to an April 22 statement. The proposal, known as House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28, introduces new criteria for creating legislative maps in Illinois.
The topic is significant because it addresses concerns about gerrymandering and fair representation in state government. Legislative district boundaries can affect which party holds power and how effectively voters’ voices are heard.
“Instead of following the current constitutional standards of compact, contiguous, and substantially equal in population, Democrats are pushing a new five-part framework that relies on race as a basis of more gerrymandering,” said Rep. Paul Jacobs. “When politicians draw maps to protect their power, voters lose their voice.” Jacobs said the amendment would make permanent what he called one of the most flawed and partisan mapmaking systems in the country. He cited independent watchdog groups who have given Illinois an “F” grade for its approach to redistricting.
House Republicans have offered an alternative plan through House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 5, which would establish a bipartisan commission with sixteen members responsible for drawing legislative maps. According to Jacobs, this proposal has not received consideration from Democratic lawmakers.
“The people of Illinois deserve fair representation, and right now they are not getting it. That’s according to the Princeton Gerrymandering Project and Common Cause Illinois, nonpartisan groups who call it like they see it. I will continue to fight for fair maps and a transparent and fair process to defend our great Republic,” concluded Jacobs.
Jacobs was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’s 118th House District in 2023 after replacing Patrick Windhorst according to available records.
