Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Win Stoller (R-Peoria) argues Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s handling of the state’s map redistricting should infuriate voters everywhere.

“By signing the maps today, the Governor effectively ignored the will of the people,” Stoller posted on Facebook. “He once again signed a map that allows the majority party to pick their voters, instead of allowing the people of Illinois to pick their legislators.”

After maps passed by Democrats in August had to be revised due to constitutional issues raised by Republican lawmakers, Pritzker signed off on the revised versions, even though critics argue they are clearly designed to keep Democrats in power.

“It's not deja vu you're having,” Stoller said. “Gov. Pritzker did sign politician-drawn legislative maps. He has now broken his promise to the people of Illinois twice.”

As part of his protest, Stoller promoted a web site where voters could post their concerns to the governor. Stoller has pointed out the maps come after Pritzker vowed while still a candidate to veto any maps drawn along partisan lines.

Stoller isn't the only one expressing outrage.

“Drawing district maps in locked back rooms yet again, Illinois lawmakers underscored their utter disregard for the will of the people and for the bedrock democratic principles of open government by and for the people,” CHANGE Illinois Executive Director Madeline Doubek said in a press release. “Gov. Pritzker said he wanted maps that reflect the state’s rich diversity. These maps fall far short of that request and should be rejected by him.”

Other groups calling on the governor to honor the veto pledge he made as a candidate include the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition, the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations, Latino Policy Forum, the Decalogue Society of Lawyers, Common Cause Illinois, Agudath Israel of Illinois, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Nonprofit Utopia.

Meanwhile, Stoller recently opened a new office in Geneseo, which he hopes will better serve one of the largest geographic Senate districts in the state.

“I am beyond excited to establish this new district office in Geneseo,” Stoller said in a press release. “This office will allow my staff and I to provide the people within and surrounding Henry County with the best possible constituent services in the most convenient way for them.