Despite the state s somewhat unique political history, the debate about its electoral system contains potentially important implications and lessons for other states and the country. To address these issues, IGPA, with the support of the Joyce Foundation, sponsored a statewide assembly this fall on political representation in Illinois. Participants in the assembly discussed the pros and cons of different electoral systems, produced an important research document on political representation issues in Illinois, and voted on a set of recommendations on electoral reform for eventual submission to the General Assembly. The political system of this state contains a number of controversial features, many of which are found in other states. For instance, the legislative leaders dominate much of the legislature s deliberations and control campaign funds, which they target to contested districts.
Partisan conflict characterizes the assembly s deliberations.
The decennial battles over redistricting frequently produce gerrymandered districts. Only a handful of incumbent legislators lose their seats to challengers, and voter turnout remains low. Citizens of both parties attribute one or more of these to the current set of electoral rules. The Illinois electoral system takes the heat for them largely because within the living memory of many Illinois citizens, the state changed from one type of electoral system to another. Since most of the undesirable features described above appeared after the electoral change took place, the inclination is to attribute them to that change.