Gerrymandering as an art form: The root of our intense redistricting fight
Redistricting has historically been used for political gain, leading to intense partisan gerrymandering in recent years. States are increasingly redrawing congressional districts to favor one party, often using sophisticated data analysis. There are two main approaches to redistricting: a principled method focused on fairness and compactness, and a partisan strategy aimed at maximizing electoral advantage.
- ▪Redistricting has been a tool for political advantage since the beginning of the republic.
- ▪The principled approach to redistricting aims for compactness and uniformity, while the partisan approach seeks to maximize advantage for the majority party.
- ▪Modern mapmakers use advanced data and software to engineer districts that favor their party.
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Since the beginning of the republic, redistricting has been used as a tool for political advantage. However, we are in the midst of a particularly intense spasm of partisan-fueled gerrymandering. State after state has redrawn its congressional districts to maximize partisan advantage for one side or the other. It is possible that this will never stop; every time a political party gains control of a state’s legislature and governorship, that party will create a gerrymandered map to maximize its electoral advantage. I hope that people’s better angels will prevail, and this cycle of partisan gamesmanship will soon come to an end. Recommended Stories California’s wacko wealth tax The FAIR Labels Act isn’t fair.
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