Two former Illinois politicians and Obama administration officials are launching an effort to reform how the state’s General Assembly districts are drawn.  Former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley and former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood are petitioning to add a state constitutional amendment proposal to the ballot.  The amendment would establish an independent commission dedicated to drawing legislative maps at the state level.  The pair say this measure would give voters a greater voice in elections and eliminate political motivations in map-drawing. 

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie is also praising the move.  She says it’s an encouraging next step in election reform. 

Officials behind the proposal say the petition will require around 320,000 valid signatures.  The measure would appear on the November 2026 ballot if the petition is completed.