This year, the year after the 2010 Census, has brought about the issue of redistricting the state of Illinois. The new districts have to be presented by June 30 the year after the census.

The majority party is given the responsibility of drawing the lines for the new districts. The Democratic party is the current majority party.

Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, said that he is not happy with how the redistricting was done.

“The lines were drawn to preserve the Democratic party’s majority,” Righter said. “That’s not who it’s supposed to protect.”

Righter said the Illinois Constitution governs the remapping process.

These will be the new districts for the 2012 elections.

Righter also said the public did not have enough time to respond to the new districts because the boundaries were presented 24 hours in advance.

“What are (the legislators) going to do? Incumbent legislators are going to protect themselves,” Righter said. “They are going to protect members of their own party.”

Righter said that the new districts will not protect, or even necessarily benefit, Illinois residents.

Righter sponsored an Illinois Constitutional amendment called the Illinois Fair Map Amendment. Righter said the goal of this amendment was to take remapping out of the hands of incumbent legislators.

However, the amendment was turned down in the Illinois General Assembly.

Righter said that although his duties will not be affected, the district he represents will have some changes.

State Representative Chapin Rose could not be reached to comment on the issue.

Melissa Sturtevant can be reached at 581-7942 or mnsturtevant@eiu.edu