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00000178-3092-da2f-a5fe-fbbf0c520000Reactions to the 2016 ElectionNPR and GLT are here for you as we all react to this historic election. Trust Morning Edition, On Point with Tom Ashbrook, Here & Now and All Things Considered for in depth reporting and thoughtful analysis of the national races and international reactions. Count on GLT and IPR for comprehensive coverage of events here in central Illinois.

Independent Maps Case Heads To Appeal

A famous 19th century cartoon showing the Gerrymander, a twisted electoral district created by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry to favor his Democratic-Republican party's chances over the opposition Federalists
Creative Commons
A famous 19th century cartoon showing the Gerrymander, a twisted electoral district created by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry to favor his Democratic-Republican party's chances over the opposition Federalists

A judge has ruled that a voter referendum seeking to change the way Illinois draws its political boundaries is unconstitutional for the November ballot.

It's the second time that such an attempt has been blocked in the courts. In both instances, a lawsuit brought by an attorney linked to top Democrats argued that it didn't meet constitutional muster.  

A group called Independent Maps had made revisions since the 2014 effort. Its plan called for an 11-member commission to draw legislative boundaries, instead of leaving it to the party in power.

The State Board of Elections has said it appears the initiative had enough valid signatures. 

An Independent Maps spokesman says it'll appeal.      

Plan opponents say it didn't meet constitutional requirements, namely that changes to the Legislature be ``structural and procedural.''  
 

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