Fact check: How often is redistricting done in Illinois?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, redistricting in Illinois occurs every 10 years following the decennial census ^{[1] [2]}. The process is primarily handled by the Illinois General Assembly, with the Governor having veto power, and if the General Assembly fails to pass a plan, the Illinois Legislative Redistricting Commission takes over ^[1].

The most recent redistricting in Illinois occurred in 2021, following the 2020 census ^{[3] [4]}. This follows the traditional pattern where redistricting happens only once a decade after the decennial census is conducted ^[2]. The sources consistently indicate that redistricting is not a frequent occurrence in Illinois, adhering to the standard 10-year cycle ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the political dynamics and recent controversies surrounding redistricting in Illinois. The analyses reveal that Illinois has become embroiled in national redistricting battles, particularly in response to efforts by other states like Texas to redraw maps mid-decade ^{[3] [5]}.

Governor JB Pritzker has indicated that redrawing Illinois' district map could be "on the table" as a response to redistricting pushes in other states ^[3]. This suggests that while the standard practice is every 10 years, there may be political pressure for more frequent redistricting in response to actions by other states.

The analyses also highlight that Democrats currently control 14 of the 17 House seats in Illinois ^[6], which provides important context about the political stakes involved in any redistricting efforts. The state has been involved in interstate political conflicts, with Texas Democrats fleeing to Illinois to block redistricting votes in their home state ^{[5] [7]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward factual inquiry. However, the question's simplicity omits the complex political context that currently surrounds redistricting in Illinois.

The question fails to acknowledge that while the standard answer is every 10 years, there are ongoing discussions about potential mid-decade redistricting as a political response to similar efforts in other states ^[3]. This omission could lead to an incomplete understanding of the current redistricting landscape in Illinois, where the traditional 10-year cycle may be challenged by partisan political considerations and interstate redistricting conflicts.