Midwest redistricting updates

We brought you a Redistricting Round-Up earlier this week, but there have been some big developments in Midwest redistricting since then.

First, Midwest Democracy Network’s Draw the Line campaign has written an op-ed on the importance of transparency and public participation in the redistricting process. You can read the op-ed at Huffington Post Chicago.

In Minnesota, Governor Mark Dayton has vetoed the redistricting maps passed by the state legislature, stating that they are too partisan in nature, and that he would not support a plan whose districts were drawn “for the purpose of protecting or defeating incumbents.”

Read Governor Dayton’s veto letter here. (PDF)

In Illinois, the state Senate and House redistricting committees have released their proposed maps. The committees will also be holding public meetings for comment on the maps, the Senate on Saturday in Chicago, the House on Sunday in Chicago, followed by a joint meeting on Tuesday.

Read more on the maps at Network partner Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.