Tired of gerrymandered districts? Attend these hearings

PEORIA -- Two public hearings on redistricting have been scheduled in Peoria.

The first, sponsored by the Illinois Senate, takes place on Sat., April 16 at 10:00 a.m., Peoria Red Cross Building, 311 West John Gwynn, Jr. Avenue.

The second, sponsored by the Illinois House, takes place on Thursday, April 21at 4:00 p.m. in the Peoria County Courthouse, County Board Room, 324 Main St.

If you're tired of gerrymandered districts which always elect a candidate from the same party, here's a chance to demand change -- districts that allow real elections, not rubber stamped candidates.

It's likely that neither political party wants this -- they've been known to split up the state, just as the Peoria districts are set up to provide safe districts for Democrats and Republicans.

Trouble is, if you're loyal to the party that's not in power in your district, you have little chance of running for office or seeing your favorite candidate get elected.  No wonder people don't vote -- it seems pointless with gerrymandered districts. 

All political districts will be redrawn this year, after the census.  Here's a chance to speak out.

 -- Elaine Hopkins