The many state and federal elections coming up in Illinois place the drawing of congressional districts for both levels front and center again.  While other states have made headlines in 2025 for potential redistricting ahead of the midterms, Illinois’s current maps have also been the subject of discussion.  The shapes of certain districts have led some experts to consider the state’s districts for the U.S. House to be gerrymandered.  The difference in House representation compared to statewide election results in 2024 have further amplified these claims. 

Dr. Kent Redfield is a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Springfield.  Regarding the U.S. House, he highlights the 13th and 15th congressional districts’ shapes and their political representation.  The 15th district encompasses Christian County, among many others, while the 13th cuts through several counties bordering Christian County.

The maps used for the General Assembly at the state level are also drawing attention.  This includes the 48th Senate district – which covers parts of Sangamon, Christian, and Macon Counties – and the districts surrounding the 48th.

Dr. Redfield says gerrymandering at any level is linked to lower turnout in elections along with more “extreme” candidates on either side of the aisle being elected. 

As for the individual voter in a “gerrymandered” district, Dr. Redfield says they may feel less connected to the legislator representing them. 

More information on UIS’s political science program is available at www.uis.edu/spia.

Dr. Kent Redfield appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.