SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WSIL) -- Illinois Democrats have released the first draft of the state's new legislative map and it's shaking up all of the local districts.
The map realigns those districts with each of the current Republican representatives moved into new districts.
Republican lawmakers throughout the state expressed their dissatisfaction over the new map, while those who created the new districts defended it and the process.
Republican Dave Severin of Benton said he was dubious of the process.
“When Speaker Welch assumed his perch after 50 years of Madigan's reign, he promised a "New Day" in Illinois. Unfortunately, we're stuck in Groundhog's Day with a partisan map, drawn by partisan politicians to protect their partisan advantage. Governor Pritzker has to keep his pledge to VETO this partisan map. This is step one in dealing with inherent, generational corruption that plagues our state, and will continue to unless JB Pritzker keeps his promise to VETO a map drawn by politicians FOR politicians."
State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton)
Representative Tim Butler of Springfield called it an attempt to mislead voters.
“Tonight's drop of partisan maps is yet another attempt to mislead voters in an effort to block fair elections, after so many promises made by Democrats to have an open and transparent process involving the public.Ìý We continue our call upon Governor Pritzker to live up to his pledge to the people of Illinois and veto a map that was drawn by politicians like what we see here today.â€�
State Representative Tim Butler (R-Springfield)
Peoria Representative Ryan Spain questioned the timing of the release as did other Republican lawmakers.
"Releasing new partisan maps late on a Friday night proves that the Mike Madigan playbook continues in the Illinois House. In a further attempt to skirt any transparency, Democrats dropped partisan maps drawn in a locked room by politicians who hand selected their voters."
State Representative Ryan Spain (R-Peoria)
Republican Representative Avery Bourne of Morrisonville points out, many advocacy groups also called for transparency in the process.
"The Democrats did not listen to the dozens of advocacy groups who have demanded transparency, accurate data, and an open process that takes politicians out of the map making. This should not be a partisan process.Ìý We have long advocated for an independent commission, but the Democrats have turned their back on that idea."
State Representative Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville)
The Democrats who designed the new map, stand behind it and the process.
They say the proposed map incorporates suggestions gathered during more than 45 public hearings held across the state as legislators sought input on how to best ensure communities across Illinois receive fair and equal representation.
“Redistricting is about making sure all voices are heard, and that’s exactly what this map accomplishes. This is a fair map that reflects the great diversity of our state and ensures every person receives equal representation in the General Assembly.ÌýI’m grateful to all of the community groups and organizations who engaged in this process in a meaningful way and look forward to continuing those conversations in the coming days.â€� Â
Sen. Omar Aquino, D-Chicago, Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee
That view was echoed by Representative Elizabeth Hernandez of Cicero.
“This proposed map amplifies the diverse voices of the people of Illinois, allows communities to be represented by people of their choice and ensures that every person in our state has a say in their government, This fair map reflects input from grassroots individuals and community organizations across our state and I’m thankful for every person who took the time to make their voices heard. I look forward to continued engagement as Illinoisans provide feedback to this proposal in additional public hearings.�
Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Cicero, Chairperson of the House Redistricting Committee
The proposed maps can be viewed at the following sites:  Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý.
The public is encouraged to provide feedback during additional hearings that will take place next week before a map is voted on by the General Assembly.Ìý
Next week, there will be four hearings on the proposed map:
·       Tuesday, May 25 at 4:00 PM � Joint House and Senate Hearing
·       Tuesday, May 25 at 6:00 PM � House Hearing
·       Wednesday, May 26 at 4:00 PM � Joint House and Senate Hearing
·       Wednesday, May 26 at 6:00 PM � Senate Hearing
