Political Dictionary
Gerrymandering is the drawing of electoral districts to advantage a political party, group, or incumbent.
Definition
Gerrymandering is the deliberate design of district boundaries to influence political outcomes. Common techniques include packing opposing voters into a small number of districts and cracking them across many districts. Gerrymandering may be partisan, racial, incumbent-protecting, or coalition-based.
Why It Matters
District boundaries can affect representation, electoral competition, policy outcomes, and public trust. Racial gerrymandering is subject to constitutional and statutory limits, while federal courts have treated partisan-gerrymandering claims differently.
How It Works
Mapmakers use population, geography, election results, and demographic data to draw districts. By concentrating or dispersing particular voters, a map can convert votes into seats more efficiently for one side.
History
The term dates to 1812, when critics compared a Massachusetts district approved under Governor Elbridge Gerry to a salamander. Boundary manipulation existed before the term and has continued through modern computer-assisted redistricting.
Example
A party may win a minority of statewide votes yet secure a majority of legislative seats because of how districts are drawn.
Common Misconceptions
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