Lake County Gazette

Dan Yost argues that fair maps are an essential part of the culture change he thinks is desperately needed in Springfield.

"Corruption flourishes when our representatives aren’t accountable to the voters, when those officials have no need to fear the consequences of our election process,” Yost told the Lake County Gazette. “Fair maps help restore the most fundamental check on power we have on our government, the right of the citizen to choose their representative.”

With Sunday, May 3 set as the deadline for passing legislation allowing for the development of a referendum calling for a nonpartisan commission to draw legislative boundaries, Yost is busy spreading the word about the once-in-a-decade opportunity. To miss the deadline is to not have another chance for passage until the next U.S. Census in 2030.

In some ways, the people have already spoken, with poll after poll showing that the proposed measure is picking up steam among voters as reflected in a recent CHANGE Illinois survey where support eclipsed 80%.

“When the map is drawn with the best interest of parties and politicians in mind, the citizens will never be fairly represented,” said Yost (R-Antioch), who is set to take on incumbent state Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee) in the 61st District in November.

Yost adds he doubts if the level of change that’s truly needed in Springfield could ever come about if it’s left up to those now in power, especially when it comes to the issue of instituting fair maps.  

“We need to establish a process driven by a mathematical formula and subject to a review by a non-partisan group of citizens,” he said. “We need to remove as much subjectivity and individual influence as possible from the process.”