Gerrymandering
What is Gerrymandering?
Every 10 years, the United States conducts a census, which measures the country's population. Along with this process, Congressional districts are redrawn. State mapmakers then use the population data to redraw Congressional districts. Here lies the problem: a lot of the times, state mapmakers are partisan. In Republican states, this means they will draw districts to favor Republicans. In Democratic states, they favor Democrats.
How Does Gerrymandering Work?
Cracking
This method of gerrymandering splits up people with similar characteristics, like people who typically support the same party, across districts in an effort to split up their combined power.
Packing
Packing is the exact opposite: state map drawers will shove certain voting groups into as few districts as possible to "cluster" their control.
Facts About Gerrymandering
The term gerrymandering originated in 1812 when Elbridge Gerry, the governor of Massachusetts, approved a district map that benefitted his own party.
The US Supreme Court has ruled many times against partisan gerrymandering, like in Miller v. Johnson.
The odd district shapes of gerrymandering often leads to nicknames, like Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, which was nicknamed "The Praying Mantis" before it was redrawn in the 2020 cycle.
In the US, both political parties are guilty of gerrymandering. However, depending on the state, different political parties are in charge, so they are the ones who gerrymander.
Announcement
Welcome to our new website! Here, you can register to vote, learn about our platform, and take meaningful action today.