FAQ

Q. What is redistricting?

A. Redistricting refers to the process of redrawing political boundaries. Illinois’ legislative and congressional districts are required to be redrawn every ten years to reflect changes in population, and ensure every resident has an equal voice. Redistricting does not affect the number of legislators per district or state – but how those lines are divided based on the latest reapportionment.

Q. What is reapportionment?

A. Reapportionment is the process of reassigning the number of seats within a legislative body. The best example of reapportionment can be seen in the congressional reapportionment that takes place every ten years to reflect changes in population. The U.S. Census Bureau determines how the 435 congressional seats will be divided among 50 states. States that gain population will likely gain seats. States whose population has decreased since the 2010 census may lose a number of seats. 

Q. Who determines the political boundaries?

A. The Illinois State Constitution gives the General Assembly the responsibility for redrawing the congressional and legislative political boundaries.

Q. When do the lines change?

A. In Illinois the new congressional, state senate, and state representative lines will be in place for the 2022 primary elections.