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Redistricting and Fair Maps

What Is Gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering, the partisan drawing of voting maps, has always been a part of American politics. The term itself dates back to 1812 and incorporates the name of Elbridge Gerry, governor of Massachusetts, who signed a bill approving voting maps that favored his party. At the time, the Boston Gazette suggested that the contorted shape of one district resembled a salamander. Thus, we now use the term gerrymander to refer to voting districts specifically created to advantage one political party over another.

See a YouTube video: What Is Gerrymandering and What Does It Mean for Me as a Voter? (5 minutes, 48 seconds) and view a 1-hour, in-depth panel discussion on fair redistricting. 

Why Is Impartial Redistricting Important?

The way that district boundaries are drawn can determine or strongly influence who gets elected. At different times, both the Democratic and the Republican parties have used gerrymandering to their advantage. Redistricting with Fair Maps helps to ensure that our legislative bodies reflect our changing population and that each citizen’s vote counts equally. Fair districts can lead to:

What Is LWVHC Doing and What Can You Do?

The LWVHC Redistricting Team is working with LWVNC Fair Districts NC to get reasonable redistricting reform in place for the 2021 redrawing and end unfair maps in our state. If you are a LWVHC member interested in joining the Redistricting Team, please contact the Fair Districts coordinator.

 

Other Redistricting Resources