Prairie State Wire

Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition Board President Dr. Dilara Sayeed recently told lawmakers in Springfield if the state is to move forward, fair redistricting maps need to be part of the plan.

Speaking before a Senate Redistricting Northwest Cook County Committee hearing, Sayeed argued voters absolutely needed to be heard on legislation that so profoundly affects their communities.  

“Illinois is home to one of the largest and most diverse populations across the nation,” Sayeed said. “Redistricting across Illinois is one critical way to ensure diverse voices are heard, needs are met, and residents are represented.”

Sayeed said that needs to be the focus, even if lawmakers have to ignore the June 30 deadline for finishing redistricting to allow for more time for the most up-to-date Census Bureau data.

“The Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition requests the opportunity to present at redistricting meetings,” Sayeed added. “We work in 10 counties, engage 150 partner and ally organizations and include over 350 influencers and leaders across the state. Illinois Muslims are incredibly diverse and intersectional in race, class, ethnicities and backgrounds. We hope that redistricting in a fair and equitable manner will bring healing and prosperity in every way to our state.”

With more and more sharing as Sayeed did that they want to be heard on the issue, veteran Republican state Rep. Dan McConchie urged lawmakers to slow down the process and make use of all the data available to them in creating the fairest map that they can.

“Instead of politicians using this process to protect their own political power, people should be able to choose their elected officials, not the other way around,” he said. “The current process keeps politicians in complete control of the process and that I believe needs to change.”