The Illinois Senate has approved a plan to let voters choose a new way to draw legislative districts. For 40 years redistricting has been left to a system that often is decided by drawing out of a hat the name of the party to control the process.
A plan by Democratic Sen. KwameRaoul of Chicago would give the job of drawing political lines to an independent commission appointed by Supreme Court justices.
If the House approves, voters will consider the question in November's election.
A second amendment by Democratic Sen. Tom Cullerton of Villa Park to eliminate the office of lieutenant governor failed. Cullerton says it would save the state $1.6 million annually.
