When Lines Become Levers: The Modern Tale of District Design

In the United States, drawing lines on a map can decide who wins elections.
This practice has been around for more than two hundred years, beginning with a governor who signed a bill that favored one party over another. The resulting oddly shaped map—resembling a salamander—earned the name gerrymandering.

The Modern Redistricting Cycle

Every decade, after the census, states must redraw congressional districts to ensure roughly equal voter populations. Some states can adjust maps more frequently, giving incumbents additional opportunities to shape electoral outcomes.

• When one party controls both the legislature and the governor’s office
• They can design districts that advantage their own candidates.
• Tactics:
• Cracking: Spreading the opposition’s voters across many districts so they never win.
• Packing: Concentrating the opposition into a few districts, allowing the controlling party to win the rest.

Constitutional and Judicial Context

• The U.S. Constitution does not prohibit gerrymandering.
• In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled it could not determine whether a map is overly biased for one party.
• The decision was deferred to state courts, many of which claim they cannot decide either.

Stakes in 2024

• The Republicans gained a modest lead in the House of Representatives.
• President Trump urged Texas lawmakers to redraw districts favorably for Republicans.
• California Democrats, in turn, redrew their maps to secure more seats.
• These actions prompted other states to reassess boundaries in hopes of improving future electoral prospects.

Measuring the Advantage

Researchers analyzed 2010 census data and found that Republicans—who dominate redistricting processes—gained a larger edge than in the past fifty years.

Controversy and Debate

Gerrymandering is criticized for undermining electoral fairness. Discussions continue about implementing new rules or independent commissions to curb the manipulation of district lines for political gain.