Bigmoney, not a bad map, skew Illinois elections
Between the months-long gridlock in Springfield that has embarrassed and crippled our state and the seemingly endless scandals that combine stupidity and venality, it is easy to understand why many want to try a new system for Illinois elections.
Unfortunately, the seemingly straightforward solution of turning legislative map-making to an “independent” “non-partisan” commission isn’t the answer.
While I believe there needs to be a better way of resolving a redistricting impasse than drawing straws from Lincoln’s hat, I’mnot sure an “independent” commission would achieve any real change. The same party leaders who now draw themap of districts would likely appoint commission members. In other words, just another step to the same old same old.
And to those of us with any significant political memory, the term “blue-ribbon commission” raises the specter not of greater equality or control but of a group of older, predominantly whitemen making decisions for the increasing number of us who are minorities and women— usually not to our advantage.
While imperfect, under the current system we the people choose our representatives every two years. Those representatives are accountable to us. With an independent commission, where is the accountability to the people? How are our concerns accounted for when these com- missioners are appointed?
Further, I strongly doubt that it is party leaders using Lincoln’s hat to determine who draws themap who discourage nearly two thirds of eligible Illinois voters from exercising their right to vote. Few outside of insider political circles know or care.
Working with immigrants, whose primary goal is to become citizens and enjoy the many privileges that accompany that status, I’ve been fortunate to see close up how these eager voters see the system. They are not concerned with who makes the map. Rather, the frustration they experience comes fromthe arcane rules of voter registration, which, despite the efforts of leaders such as Cook County Clerk David Orr, seem aimed at diminishing rather than expanding vote totals in their communities.
They (and I) are also discouraged by the massive amounts of money poured into specific races by named and, increasingly, anonymous entities, a reflection of the increasing disparity of income and influence that dogs our state and our nation. These factors, not the “hat dance,” are the real impediments tomore effective democracy.
Whatever side you were on, the Chicago elections this past spring were an interesting case of what is possible. Fifteen new aldermen won seats— many running against well-heeled incumbents— through big-time on-the-ground involvement and grassroots organizing; that is, the old-fashioned way. These contests contrasted sharply with the elections last Novem- ber, when even many “good Democrats” sat out. The only thing that would have been better in these unexpected city election contests would have been even greater participation. And that’s something we can do something about.
Before we start messing with the Illinois Constitution, why not start with initiatives to facilitate more people voting, such as same-day voter registration, online registration, and elections held on weekends rather than on a weekday. And while we are at it, why not try real campaign finance reform? Restrictions on campaign spending? Shortened election periods? Limits on campaign advertising?
These ideas work in other places from England to Israel; their voter participation rates are higher, and their legislative bodies more diverse.
We’ve seen the impact of money and restrictive voting policies not only in Illinois but throughout the nation. If we want true reform and competitive races to occur, let’s go beyond appearances and get to core problems beneath.