What is gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering is defined as the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to favor a specific political party or group. This process is often executed during redistricting, which occurs after each census when new population data is collected, and district lines are drawn to ensure effective representation.

The significance of gerrymandering lies in its potential to skew democratic processes, as it can dilute the votes of certain demographic groups or consolidate voters of a particular party into fewer districts, thereby maximizing that party's advantage in elections. This manipulation can lead to outcomes where one party gains a disproportionate amount of representation relative to their overall share of the vote in a given area.

In many cases, gerrymandering undermines the principle of fair representation, as districts are drawn not based on geographic or community relationships but rather to ensure electoral victories for particular interests. Understanding this practice is crucial for recognizing challenges in electoral fairness and the integrity of the democratic process.