Fact check: How have Illinois district maps changed since the 2010 census?

1. Summary of the results

Illinois district maps have undergone significant changes since the 2010 census, primarily driven by population decline that resulted in the state losing one congressional seat. Illinois now has 17 congressional districts instead of 18, with each district representing roughly 750,000 people ^[1]. The new maps were redrawn in 2021 and took effect after the 2022 general election ^{[1] [2]}.

The redistricting process was completed by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Pritzker in 2021 ^[2]. The new configuration has resulted in Democrats controlling 14 of the state's 17 congressional seats ^[3]. Some districts were specifically reshaped to include areas with growing populations, particularly Latino communities in Chicago ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question omits several critical aspects of Illinois' redistricting process:

• Partisan gerrymandering allegations: The new maps have been heavily criticized as partisan and gerrymandered, designed to favor Democratic incumbents ^[5]. Princeton University's Gerrymandering Project gave Illinois an 'F' grade for its 2021 Congressional District map, citing significant advantages for Democrats and incumbents ^[6].
• Non-competitive districts: The maps create a very uncompetitive electoral environment with non-compact districts that contain more county splits than typical, leading to unequal voter density per area ^{[6] [7]}.
• Historical pattern of manipulation: Critics argue that Democrats in Illinois have controlled the legislature and manipulated districts after every census to give themselves a partisan advantage ^[8], suggesting this is part of a long-standing pattern rather than a neutral redistricting process.
• Hypocrisy allegations: Illinois officials have faced pushback when criticizing gerrymandering in other states like Texas, with some arguing that Illinois' maps are just as gerrymandered as Texas' ^[8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, simply asking about changes to district maps since the 2010 census. However, the framing could be seen as incomplete because:

• It doesn't acknowledge the highly partisan nature of the redistricting process that occurred in Illinois
• The question treats redistricting as a neutral administrative process rather than recognizing it as a political tool used to maintain Democratic control
• By focusing only on changes since 2010, it misses the broader context of Illinois' systematic gerrymandering practices across multiple decades

The question itself doesn't contain misinformation, but a complete answer requires understanding that Illinois' redistricting represents one of the most egregious examples of partisan gerrymandering in the United States, benefiting Democratic politicians and party leadership who gain from maintaining safe seats and political control.