A group that wants an independent commission to draw legislative districts in Illinois on Friday delivered more than 550,000 signatures backing its request to put the measure on the ballot in November for a constitutional change.

 

 

Leaders of the group Independent Maps delivered the signatures to the Illinois State Board of Elections, more than double the amount needed to get the amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot. The minimum number of signatures needed is 290,216, but the signatures still need to be verified by the state's election board.

 

Ballot initiatives to change the redistricting process have failed in the past.

 

Coalition members say this time they're better funded to pay for staffing, polling and legal fees.

 

Dennis FitzSimmons, chair of Independent Maps, said the group received about $3.7 million in donations and another $1 million from a grant. He said the group also received a number of smaller donations from individuals.

 

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