Illinois Governor Quinn speaks after National Governors Association meeting at the White House in Washington
The Illinois Congressional map, approved by the Congress and Governor Pat Quinn, is being challenged. Reuters

The Illinois congressional map, drawn in accordance with the new census data, has been challenged by the Republican party, who say it is bad for Latino voters.

Illinois lost one seat in Congress following the 2010 census, and the Democratic Illinois legislature drew the map to put two incumbent Republicans in the same district, according to Bloomberg news.

Opponents of the map say it intentionally creates a district extremely heavy on Hispanic voters in Chicago while greatly taking away their voting power in other districts. The Republicans say this is unconstitutional.

The Democrat's attorney Michael Kaspar said the Republicans haven't proven any discrimination.

They argue it's intentional discrimination, Kasper said to the Chicago Tribune. They have to prove it.

A three judge panel heard closing arguments Friday, the Tribune reported.The judges did not say when they would rule, according to the Tribune, but said election officials could have to change the Nov, 28 through Dec. 5 candidate filing schedule.

Illinois joins several other states with congressional map challenges this year as many states gained or lost seats following the census and were forced to reimagine their district boundaries.

Elections