EXPLAINER
Discover the age-old practice of gerrymandering, a controversial part of US elections that can impact crucial races for the US House of Representatives and state legislatures.
Gerrymandering is often labeled as vote-rigging and a sneaky power grab, but it remains a legal practice utilized by both Republicans and Democrats. This process involves redrawing voting districts to favor political parties, a tactic that dates back to the early days of the United States.
How does gerrymandering work?
States update their voting districts every ten years to reflect population changes, providing an opportunity for political parties to manipulate electoral maps to secure more seats in legislatures. By strategically grouping or splitting voters, parties can amplify or dilute their voting power, resulting in contorted districts with bizarre boundaries.
Forging complacent politicians?
Gerrymandering has sparked controversy due to its impact on democracy and minority voting power. A recent study by Harvard University revealed that gerrymandering creates “safe” seats for politicians, making races less competitive and politicians less responsive to constituents.
Despite efforts to combat partisan gerrymandering, many states lack safeguards, leading to ongoing legal battles and potentially influencing the 2024 election. It’s a state-by-state battle over the role of partisan politics in voting districts, with recent rulings shaping the future of the US House of Representatives.