Redistricting and gerrymandering
After each census, district lines for Congress, state legislatures and local boards are redrawn. Here is who draws them and what gerrymandering means.
The basics
- Redistricting means redrawing the lines of voting districts. It covers U.S. House seats, state legislatures, and local bodies like city councils and school boards.
- It follows the census, which happens every 10 years. The Census Bureau sends states detailed population counts so they can draw new maps.
- Who draws the lines depends on the state. In most states the legislature does it. Some states use a commission instead, and the makeup of those commissions varies.
- Gerrymandering means drawing lines to help one party, person or group. Two common methods: packing (crowding a group into one district) and cracking (splitting a group up).
- Maps must follow some rules. Districts must have nearly equal populations, and the Voting Rights Act bars maps that weaken votes because of race. Many states add their own rules.
Why it matters to you
District lines decide which voters are grouped together. That can shape who wins, which communities share a representative, and how competitive your elections are.
Myth vs. fact
MythFederal courts can strike down any map that favors one party.
FactIn 2019 the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts can't decide claims about partisan gerrymandering. State courts and state laws may still limit it.
MythRedistricting only affects Congress.
FactLines are also redrawn for state legislatures and many local bodies, such as city councils and school boards.
Where people disagree
Who should draw district lines: elected legislatures or commissions?
Supporters of commissions say
- When lawmakers draw their own districts, they can pick their voters instead of voters picking them.
- Taking the job away from lawmakers can reduce the look of unfairness and may lead to fewer lawsuits.
Supporters of legislatures say
- The U.S. Constitution gives state legislatures a role in setting election rules, so they should keep this job.
- Lawmakers answer to voters at the ballot box, while commission members usually don't face elections.
We present the main arguments fairly. We don't take sides.
What you can do
- Look up who draws the maps in your state on your state legislature or election office website.
- Find your current districts for Congress, your state legislature and your city council or school board.
- When maps are being redrawn, watch for public hearings and share your comments about your community.
Sources
- https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo.html
- https://www.census.gov/topics/public-sector/congressional-apportionment/about/faqs.html
- https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/redistricting-criteria
- https://ballotpedia.org/Redistricting_commissions
- https://ballotpedia.org/Gerrymandering
General information, not legal advice. Rules can vary by state; check your official sources.