To start, I wanted to discuss the possibility of making Illinois more of a "purple state" than the solid blue state it's considered today. In my opinion, there shouldn't be permanent red states or blue states. All states should be competitive—Illinois, California, New York, Texas, Florida, and everywhere else. Healthy competition keeps politicians accountable and forces them to deliver real results for working families across the state.
My goal with this exercise is to make Illinois more competitive politically, especially in the Illinois General Assembly. Democrats have held majorities in both chambers since around 2003, often with supermajorities that limit genuine debate. As of 2026, Democrats control the Senate 40-19 and the House 78-40. That's not healthy balance—it's one-party dominance.
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| Chamber IL House of Representatives - Source |
The Cost of Uncompetitive Representation
When one party controls the General Assembly with little opposition, the result is often legislation that passes along strict party lines with minimal compromise. This can lead to policies that don't fully reflect the diversity of views across Illinois. Persistent challenges like high taxes, budget struggles, and out-migration highlight the need for stronger checks and balances.
Low competition reduces the incentive for representatives to reach across the aisle or innovate on issues that matter to everyday Illinoisans.
Key Reforms for Better Representation
1. Fair Redistricting and Competitive Maps Gerrymandering creates safe seats that lock in uncompetitive districts. Independent redistricting commissions or constitutional reforms for fairer maps would give more voters a real choice.
2. Return to Cumulative Voting for the Illinois House Illinois once had a proven system: cumulative voting, used from 1870 to 1980. In three-member districts, voters received three votes they could distribute freely. This helped ensure minority viewpoints won seats even in leaning districts and promoted more bipartisanship.
Why was it eliminated? In 1980, voters passed the "Cutback Amendment," which reduced the size of the House and switched to single-member districts to cut costs and simplify representation. While well-intentioned, the change coincided with and likely accelerated Illinois’ shift toward deep one-party Democratic dominance. Safe seats proliferated, reducing competition. Many leaders later regretted losing this tool for balance.
A modern version would use multi-member districts (3–5 seats) where voters get an equal number of votes to allocate as they wish. Combined with independent redistricting and modern balloting, it could restore broader representation. Illinois already has a working example in Peoria’s city council elections, which shows the system can successfully support diverse candidates today.
3. Additional Ideas to Increase Competition
- Encourage competitive primaries and independent candidates.
- Term limits.
- Strong voter education on down-ballot races.
Opportunity in 2028: A Constitutional Convention
Illinois voters will decide in 2028 on a constitutional convention (automatic every 20 years). This could open the door to revamping representation — fair maps, modern cumulative voting, and more. In 2008, voters rejected the question amid heavy opposition advertising focused on pension language. We can do better in 2028 by centering the discussion on accountability and competition.
Why This Matters Now
Restoring tools like cumulative voting would help correct the effects of the 1980 Cutback Amendment and create a more purple, responsive General Assembly. Illinoisans deserve real choices and representatives who earn their seats through results.
Call to Action: Support fair maps, cumulative voting reforms, and thoughtful engagement ahead of 2028. Share this post, contact your representatives, and stay informed. Let's build a more competitive Illinois.
What are your thoughts? Comments welcome below.
Resources Supporting a Return to Cumulative Voting
- FairVote on Fair Representation Voting in Illinois — History, benefits, and revival efforts (including past bills).
- Ballotpedia: Illinois Cumulative Voting — Detailed overview of the original system and repeal.
- Chicago Magazine: Bring Back the Big House — Case for reviving cumulative voting.
- Independent Voter Network on Cumulative Voting — Analysis of Illinois experience and regret over the 1980 change.
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