Saturday, July 8, 2023

Why is it called “gerrymandering,” anyway?

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Back in 1812, Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts approved maps that were drawn to favor his political party. The maps included several politically-motivated districts – including one that was thought to resemble a certain amphibian.

And so, by combining Governor Gerry's name with the word "salamander," the term gerrymandering was born.

South Essex state senate district in 1812; Governor Gerry

Now, more than 200 years later, politicians are still manipulating maps.

Gerrymandering distorts district lines to ensure members of one political party win a majority of seats, even if they only earn a minority of votes. This tactic can lead to some pretty strange shapes:

FL-14, TX-4, AL-1

Help fight for fair maps nationwide! Donate to the NDRC >>

Whether you call it gerrymandering, map manipulation, rigging the system, or just plain cheating, the result is the same: Voters have less ability to elect leaders who reflect their values, and our democracy is undermined in the process.

That's why the NDRC is fighting across the country to end GOP gerrymandering – and we urgently need your help to support our work.

The fight for fair maps is happening right now. In fact, CNN called redistricting "The Hidden Dynamic That Could Tip Control of the House" because more than a dozen districts could be redrawn before the next election!

Our grassroots movement will help decide whether districts fairly represent the will of the voters, or if instead they allow politicians to secure unearned power. Will you join the fight for fairness by donating to the NDRC today?

President Obama said, "We have to end the practice of drawing our congressional districts so that politicians can pick their voters and not the other way around."

With your help, we can make that happen.

– The NDRC

 

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