New report by researchers at the Center for American Progress proposes that states purposefully account for voter preferences when drawing districts.
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.
Lower Courts Lobbying SCOTUS To Rein In Partisan Gerrymandering
U.S. Supreme Court will finally decide whether federal judiciary can rein partisan gerrymanders, the lower courts aren’t waiting for the justices’ approval.
Court Considering Federal Oversight Of Texas Redistricting
Back in the federal court house where most of eight year-long case has played out, fight over forcing Texas back under federal oversight of its map making.
Federal Judges Declare Ohio Congressional Map Unconstitutional
A unanimous panel of federal judges declared Ohio’s Republican-drawn congressional map unconstitutional, adding to a growing number of similar cases.
Virginia Governor Vetoes Redistricting and Board of Elections Changes
Gov. Ralph Northam rejects a bill that would have expanded the state Board of Elections and handed the body power to appoint the state’s elections chief.
An Emerging Consensus of the Lower Courts on Redistricting
An emerging consensus of the twenty-seven Michigan state house, state senate, and congressional districts about unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders.
Judges: Michigan Must Redraw Congressional, Legislative Maps
Michigan must redraw dozens of districts for the 2020 election because Republicans configured them to guarantee their political dominance.
Podcast: E.J. Dionne on Making America Empathetic Again
E.J. Dionne has the unique perspective of studying the horse race and the big picture of American politics. I talked with him about the relationship between partisan politics and democracy.
Partisan Gerrymandering To Get Much Worse If Supreme Court Balks
What will happen in the 2020 redistricting cycle if the Supreme Court follows the advice of the defendants in the Maryland and North Carolina cases?
Federal Court Says Mississippi Must Redraw Senate District
Federal appeals court told Mississippi lawmakers to redraw a state Senate district where a judge found that black residents’ voting power had been diluted.