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.
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