Now voting rights groups are sounding the alarm about future gerrymandering — the redrawing of congressional districts to heavily favor one party.
Redistricting (Gerrymandering) articles on Democracy Chronicles
Redistricting, also known pejoratively as gerrymandering, refers to manipulation of the redrawing of districts to skew results towards a preferred party or candidate. With changes in population over time as cities grow and shrink, representative democracy requires adjusting border lines between electoral areas. For national elections, the U.S. Constitution outlines the need for a ten-year population count by census for national elections. The 50 states often have their own methods of redistricting. Also see our section on American democracy.
Why Illinois Needs an Independent Redistricting Commission
People who live in states where their legislatures determine voting districts could live under gerrymandered maps until 2031 unless reform happens now.
Why it is important to confront gerrymandering
The way states redraw boundaries can affect who runs for office, who wins, or who stays in office without serious opposition.
Civil Rights Icons Urge House to Tackle Voting Rights Rollback
Voting rights are increasingly being repealed in America through legislation. Civil rights icons are fighting back in Congress.
Redistricting Reform May Divide Virginia’s New Democratic Majority
Virginia has recently pursued redistricting reforms. While they have been well-received but may divide its new Democratic majority.
Details of Missouri GOP redistricting plan could mean big changes
Who should be counted when Missouri’s 197 legislative districts are redrawn: everyone who lives in the state or only citizens old enough to vote?
Opinion: Gerrymandering endangers democracy. Fight back
John Arnold opines in the Houston Chronicle that where the Supreme Court failed to act in protecting US democracy against gerrymandering, the people can.
Clash over who will draw congressional district maps crucial to house control
Ahead of 2020, Democrats and Republicans are in bitter hostility over who will draw congressional district maps crucial to House control.
Opinion: Why Redistricting in California Should be a National Model
Kathay Feng of Common Cause argues that California’s redistricting experience offers a lot of lessons on how to walk the path toward national healing.
Shrinking in rural NC will affect redistricting after the 2020 elections
Analysts predict that new electoral maps in North Carolina will be more Democratic-leaning but could still favor Republicans.