Census
Every ten years a national census is taken that produces, among other data, an up to date snapshot of the country’s population.
Traditionally, congressional redistricting occurs shortly after the census. Redistricting allows for an accurate electoral representation of the current population as determined by that most recent census.
Independent Commissions
Ideally redistricting maps are drawn by independent redistricting commissions that are composed of citizens who have no vested political interest in how districts are drawn.
Independent commissions are a transparent public process that includes open meetings with public input, and redistricting standards based on clear criteria.
Gerrymandering
The diametrical opposite of fair redistricting is the blatantly partisan manipulation of the redistricting process known as ‘Gerrymandering’.
Gerrymandering is almost as old as the United States itself.
Gerrymandering is named for former Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry.
In 1812 rather than supporting a fair and unbiased redistricting map, Gerry supported a flagrantly partisan plan that favored his own political party.
Gerrymandering a state dominated by one political party invites even more Gerrymandering in states dominated by the other political party.
Calvinball
Texas recently decided not only to to redistrict between the decennial censuses, but also to do so in a way that intentionally decreases the number of Democrat leaning districts and increases Republican leaning districts.
Texas Republicans have chosen to play political ‘Calvinball’- changing the rules in such a way that they are guaranteed to win.
If Republican leaning states Gerrymander while Democratic leaning states use independent commissions, Republicans will dominate national elections, making Democrats a permanent minority.
Professional Foul
Democrats in other states, fearing permanent minority status, have responded to the Republican’s political ‘Calvinball’ with Gerrymandering of their own.
Even fair minded Democrats in Democratic leaning states who favor independent commissions as an ethical and fair way to redistrict are forced to respond to Republican Gerrymandering with a ‘professional foul’.
In sports a “professional foul” is a deliberate and strategic violation of game rules and good sportsmanship committed to keeping the opposition from scoring, ending the game.
Pick One
Both Independent commissions and Gerrymandering are legal forms of redistricting.
So, when it comes to using independent commissions vs Gerrymandering, go ahead and pick one- but we ALL need to do that one.
Sources
https://www.fairdistrictspa.com/the-problem/about-gerrymandering
https://thesexypolitico.com/2023/06/04/professional-foul/
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Calvinball
Thanks and a tip of the hat to The White House for the image of Governor Abbott and President Trump.
