Handout #22
GERRYMANDERING
What is gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is a term that describes the deliberate rearrangement of the boundaries of congressional
districts to influence the outcome of elections.
Where did gerrymandering come from?
The original gerrymander was created in 1812 by Massachusetts’s governor Elbridge Gerry, who crafted a
district for political purposes that looked like a salamander.
What is the purpose of gerrymandering?
The purpose of gerrymandering is to either concentrate opposition votes into a few districts to gain more
seats for the majority in surrounding districts (called packing), or to diffuse minority strength across many
districts (called dilution).
How has Congress regulated redistricting?
In 1967, Congress passed a law requiring all U.S. representatives to be elected from single member
districts—the system we use today. All other redistricting regulations come from the states or the courts.
What is the solution for gerrymandering?
States need to enact non-partisan redistricting. This would mean that the boundary lines for electoral
districts would be drawn by an impartial group (perhaps retired judges) or by a group of non-politicians.
With both sides picking an equal number of members to decide on all the boundary lines.