DeKalb Times

Two lawsuits argue that the new district maps violate the U.S. Constitution because they were drawn using survey data, The Pantagraph reported.

Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) told the DeKalb Times that the way the redistricting plan was done is not constitutional. 

"Clearly ... not constitutional with what they have done," Syverson said. "No hearings after releasing the map, little debate before passing, and (Democratic lawmakers) did not even use census data. The most gerrymandered districts in history splitting up communities just for political outcomes. The new legislative districts do not even have equal numbers of residents, which has never been done before. Every major organization opposed this map process, from the League of Women Voters to the Farm Bureau." 

Charles Harris, an attorney representing the Republican leaders, said the case violates the “one person, one vote” principle under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution, The Pentagraph reported.

The case is set for trial Sept. 27 to 29, according to The Pentagraph. 

Syverson says that he hopes the courts look at the case, "legally and not politically." 

He says that this is something that the community should have input on before it is implemented. 

"Something this important should not be illegally forced on voters. If the legislature will not do the right thing then the courts need to," he said. 

He said that moving forward, something needs to change with the way that these maps are presented. 

"Illinois voters strongly demand independent maps. Voters tried to put the question on the ballot and the ruling party blocked it," Syverson said. "Politicians should not be drawing their own districts. Illinois deserves fair independent maps for their elected officials."