What is Gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering Explained

What is it?

Gerrymandering is when politicians draw electoral district boundaries to give their political party an unfair advantage. It's named after Elbridge Gerry, a governor of Massachusetts who, in 1812, signed a bill creating a district so oddly shaped that it resembled a salamander.

In gerrymandering, instead of the voters choosing their representatives, the representatives choose the voters. It is, in essence, rigging elections.

Important Note:

Gerrymandering can occur unintentionally, even when politicians aren't trying to be unfair. Complex communities, historical boundaries, and population changes can create unfair districts by accident. A randomly drawn map isn't necessarily always fair. This is why our algorithmic approach is so valuable - it can objectively identify the fairest possible district boundaries, regardless of human bias or just random chance.

Real Examples of Gerrymandering

North Carolina 2018 Congressional Map (10-3 Republican advantage)

North Carolina 2018: Despite Democrats winning 48.3% of votes, they only got 3 out of 13 seats (23%)

North Carolina's bizarrely shaped congressional districts

Bizarre District Shapes: These oddly shaped districts were drawn to gerrymander voters

Original 1812 Massachusetts salamander district

The Original "Gerrymander": 1812 Massachusetts district that looked like a salamander

A Real Example: North Carolina

North Carolina Congressional Elections (2018):

48.3% Democratic votes statewide
50.4% Republican votes statewide
13 congressional districts total

What Fair Representation Would Look Like

With 48.3% of the vote, Democrats should win about 6-7 districts

Expected Result: 6-7 Democratic seats (46-54% representation)

What Actually Happened

Due to gerrymandered districts, Democrats won only 3 out of 13 seats

Actual Result: 3 Democratic seats (23% representation from 48.3% of votes)

The Impact:

Democrats received nearly half the votes but only 23% of the congressional seats. This is a classic example of how gerrymandering can completely distort representation, giving one party nearly twice as many seats as their vote share would suggest.

The Supreme Court and Racial Gerrymandering

What the Supreme Court Said

In a landmark 2019 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts cannot review partisan gerrymandering (drawing districts to favor one political party), a major setback. However, the Court has consistently ruled that racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

"The Constitution does not allow racial gerrymandering. The Voting Rights Act requires that minority communities have a fair chance to elect candidates of their choice."

What This Means:

Racial gerrymandering is illegal - You cannot draw districts to dilute minority voting power
Partisan gerrymandering is allowed - Politicians can still draw districts to favor their party
Local action is crucial - Since the Supreme Court won't stop partisan gerrymandering, communities must act

Supreme Court Decision

2019: Rucho v. Common Cause

Why Local Redistricting is Critical

While national gerrymandering gets headlines, local gerrymandering affects your daily life more directly.

School Boards

Local officials decide on curriculum, school funding, and district boundaries. Gerrymandered districts can leave entire neighborhoods without representation.

City Councils

These officials control zoning, infrastructure, police budgets, and local taxes. Your neighborhood's voice matters here.

County Boards

They manage social services, public health, and regional planning. Fair representation ensures all communities get their fair share.

Hidden Impact

Local gerrymandering often goes unnoticed but has the biggest impact on your quality of life and community resources.

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