League Supports Redistricting Recommendations For Lake County

The League of Women Voters of Lake County commends Lake County Chairman Aaron Lawlor and the Lake County Board for establishing last year the Lake County Commission on Government Reform and Accountability (Commission). The bi-partisan Commission was comprised of highly qualified, independent leaders with wide ranging qualifications, who represented the various interests of the County. Skillfully leading the Commission over eight months were the Honorable Fred Foreman and the Honorable Kathy Ryg, two public servants who have worked decades on behalf of Lake County residents.

The Commission’s assignment was to recommend improvements in the governance of Lake County. League members were impressed with the amount of research, the expert speakers, and the thorough discussions by Commission members. Recently, the Commission submitted to the Lake County Board its report with recommendations. The report can be found at http://www.lakecountyil.gov/3835/Lake-County-Government-Reform.

In January, 2018 the Lake County Board took the next step and formed the Lake County Government Reform Implementation Committee (Committee) to review the report and recommendations. The Committee will evaluate the suggestions and submit its conclusions to the Lake County Board for consideration and action.

Of particular interest to the League was the Commission’s advice regarding independent redistricting. The League has long fought the current flawed system, which discourages competitive elections. The League thanks Chairman Lawlor for his vocal support for an independent mapping process, and encourages the Lake County Board to be a leader in adopting an independent redistricting approach.

Central to an independent redistricting process are eight principles developed by the Illinois Redistricting Collaborative (in which the League is a member). The Commission agreed with these principles and recommended the County adopt them. They are below.

Comply with the U.S. Constitution.

Comply with Federal and State Voting Rights Act.

Comprise and Uphold a Non-Partisan Process.

Maximize Voter Choice, Electoral Candidacy and Competitiveness.

Recognize and Preserve Communities of Interest.

Accurately Include Permanent Residence of All Illinoisans.

Comprise and Uphold a Transparent and Accountable Process.

Provide for Open, Full, and Meaningful Public Participation.

The League of Women Voters of Lake County urges the Lake County Board to adopt these principles and allow voters to select their elected representatives, not elected representatives choose their voters.

Mary Mathews Executive Committee League of Women Voters of Lake County