Redistricting and Gerrymandering
Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census, states redraw congressional and state legislative districts in a process called redistricting. This determines voter representation, political power, and policy priorities for the decade.
What Is Redistricting and How Does It Work?
Redistricting reflects population shifts from the census, ensuring equal-sized districts. Most states use legislatures, but some employ independent commissions or courts. States hold primary authority, with federal oversight from Congress and courts.
What Is Gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering manipulates boundaries to favor parties via packing (concentrating voters) or cracking (diluting them). It includes partisan, racial, and incumbent-protection types, dramatically shifting power as in Texas battles over five seats.
Recent Controversies
The 2020 cycle saw disputes like GOP strategies backfiring for 2026, Texas maps blocked in 2025, and states abandoning rules in partisan grabs.
Census and Future Maps
Census debates, like excluding undocumented residents, affect maps. State processes vary, heightening stakes.
An Independent Team to Decode Government
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