Currently, the redistricting of congressional boundaries is controlled by state legislature every ten years. Gerrymandering is the redrawing of districts with the intent of benefiting a political party. It is most often implemented by state political parties with the intent of marginalizing districts of voters who represent the minority party. To gain extra seats, the incumbent party will redraw voting districts so that voters of the minority party will be grouped into smaller districts with less seats. Critics of gerrymandering say these practices allow incumbent representatives to choose their voters instead of voters choosing them. Proponents say that drawing districts is a privilege of the ruling party and have little effect on the popularity of their policies or candidates.
Narrow down which types of responses you would like to see.
Narrow down the conversation to these participants:
Voting for candidate:
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
Yes
@9F79FYZ2yrs2Y
Top Agreement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE7FFBzwLnM
Say if a committee of Republicans were tasked to draw electoral districts, they would obviously draw them to lopside the results in their favor, right? The same goes for Democrats, and that is why gerrymandering actually steals citizens' rights rather than empower them.
@ElectionCamila2yrs2Y
Absolutely, both Democrats and Republicans, if given the chance, could use redistricting to their advantage. A clear instance of this was in North Carolina in 2010, when Republicans drew the map in such a way that they won 9 of 13 congressional seats, even though the popular vote was almost evenly split. The independent commission would ideally prevent such manipulation from happening. How do you think we can ensure that the commission truly remains non-partisan?
@9F86S5G2yrs2Y
By overseeing the current districting map of Texas, a state that puts state government officials in charge of districting, you can see that major cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and El Paso have more spliced districts than other cities. These cities are known that have the highest concentration of minorities and have the most divided districts. After taking all of this into consideration, one can come to the conclusion that there is a correlation between district sizing and cities with a high minority concentration.
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
No, gerrymandering allows officials to more effectively represent the interests of their constituency
@GrimbjornDemocrat 2yrs2Y
Top Disagreement
Gerrymandering is a process controlled by the powers in control, to keep control. Not independent or reflective of the actual political climate of constituents.
@9F79FYZ2yrs2Y
Gerrymandering can be easily rigged by either party to take away the representation of the opposition.
@9F5DHJHIndependent2yrs2Y
Gerrymandering only serves the party to maintain power for the party in power and makes it most difficult to oust someone who is corrupt or give a fair chance for an opposing viewpoint in alliance with the populace to be expressed in its representation
@9F86S5G2yrs2Y
Although this is a valid reasoning behind Gerrymandering, this has not been the focus of many who map out districts. Gerrymandering has worked for years to limit the representation of the minority by splitting major urban areas that have a high concentration of minority groups and pairing them with neighboring regions that fit the common political interest of the states in question.
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
No, there is no better alternative
@9FL3QZVRepublican2yrs2Y
The argument that there is no better alternative to gerrymandering is often put forth by those who believe that gerrymandering, despite its flaws, is the most practical or effective way to draw electoral districts. However, there are strong counterarguments that support the idea that better alternatives to gerrymandering do exist:
Independent Redistricting Commissions: Many countries and regions have implemented independent redistricting commissions that are designed to be politically neutral. These commissions are composed of nonpartisan individuals who work to draw district boundaries fairly… Read more
@9BVLJ452yrs2Y
Yes, but I would prefer to abolish gerrymandering.
@5F5TD6G5yrs5Y
Yes, gerrymandering has become racist
@9FQJK9P2yrs2Y
I support gerrymandering when it's my party in power and oppose it when its the other party in power... And so does everyone else.
@VulcanMan6 2yrs2Y
Gerrymandering is just bad in general. Some people actually have values that aren't tied to our own personal self-interests...
@HelcovichEmireRepublican5mos5MO
You're right, but even if the party you support is currently in power, you need to think about the golden rule "doing to others what you would want others to do to you". How would you feel if the other party was in power and gerrymandered to their favor? If the party in power at the time could gerrymander, it would basically put the minority party completely out of power, not even giving them a chance to try to win. If everyone wanted gerrymandering only when their party was in power, America would get nowhere, so it is important to sometimes put behind individual interests for the sake of a fair democracy.
@9F4WBK42yrs2Y
No, I'd prefer the Shortest Split-line method
@9C43LHB2yrs2Y
I'd prefer the Shortest Split-line method.
@9F48DHD2yrs2Y
@9WYQWYXConstitution10mos10MO
Software should be used to make even districts without regard to any factor other than the number of people.
@9XR589FTranshumanist10mos10MO
No, use transparent mathematical algorithms with clear constitutional rules to draw districts instead
@9D52QQ22yrs2Y
The problem is, any party would be capable of claiming to be "non-partisan" and over time lead to a majority of people who are heavily partisan and have no record of where they stood or what they've done making lines in favor of their stance. The current system should be changed to emphasize more on letting the people know who was involved in the redrawing by name, What they wanted to draw the lines as, and how they divided the districts. That way anyone who would abuse a power as important as aiding the elections, can be held accountable, and made to answer for why the lines are not as neutral as physically possible.
@DoveHaileyLibertarian2yrs2Y
I completely agree with your perspective. Transparency is indeed a key ingredient in maintaining the integrity of any democratic process. For instance, in the UK, the redistricting process is handled by independent boundary commissions. They publish their proposals for public consultation, giving everyone a chance to see and comment on the proposed changes. This allows for a level of accountability and transparency.
@9DM76842yrs2Y
No, these commissions just end up being partisan
@9C96WVY2yrs2Y
Implement the Shortest Split-line method
@8FDWQ6V5yrs5Y
Districts should be determined by computer algorithmic processes, based on population density.
@8FV4KP95yrs5Y
No, and there is no such thing as non-partisan.
@8HTW3KX5yrs5Y
yes, parties will always draw maps to benefit them while holding power
@8FLB36T5yrs5Y
No, I don't believe you could find a truly non-partisan commission
@B6RXT4M3 days3D
No, and replace congressional districts with a proportional representation system similar to the Maine-Nebraska model in the Electoral College
@B6RTC6H4 days4D
No, it doesn't change anything. The party with power will just select a "non-partisan" group that actually aligns with them, so it will change nothing
@B6RHTT64 days4D
Grid based on latitude and longitude decides districts and that’s it. With less representation and we don’t need Congress to be a full time job. They don’t need lifetime benefits. They no longer get to choose when they get raises. They also can’t use the system for financial gain, nor join lobby groups or government contract company’s which creates unfair advantages and less competition equals less innovation.
@B6R6GMV5 days5D
No, eliminate Congressional districts altogether and award votes based on total state population instead, but with strategies such as open-list proportional representation, constituent service metrics, rotational town halls, & citizen recall and review panels to ensure local accountability.
@B3VGV2T 1wk1W
Arguments for independent redistricting commissions (IRCs) center on the potential to reduce partisan gerrymandering and increase fairness, transparency, and electoral competition. However, critics point to mixed results and implementation challenges, arguing that "non-partisan" members can still have underlying biases and that commissions can become deadlocked. The debate over whether to use an IRC involves weighing these potential benefits against the risks and complexities of their design.
Arguments in favor of independent commissions
Reduced gerrymandering and increased fairnes… Read more
@B6NN95B 1wk1W
Gerrymandering should be abolished in its entirety, and a standardized districting system implemented at the state level by a non-partisan committee.
@B6M2DGB2wks2W
No, but redistricting should only happen after a census and the new map should have to be approved by a supermajority of the state legislature
@B6LZXGW2wks2W
No, we should increase the number of representatives to the point where districts are too small to gerrymander.
@B6KDNGF2wks2W
No, but eliminate districts and implement rank tiered voting with the number of party seats based on the popular vote percentages.
@B6JGMWJRepublican3wks3W
No, this should be decided by the President but must be validated in the Supreme Court. If unvalidated, it should be voted on by citizens
Yes! I think people in the communities should be able to vote on their district boundaries and what best serves their areas.
@B6FKFPW1mo1MO
No, districts should be drawn by a computer without regard to race, gender, political party, religion, etc. The only metric should be the number of citizens. Immigrants should not be counted in district apportionment.
@B6DXD5C1mo1MO
I think were stuck with what we have. I would prefer that both parties get together and draw maps that were more normal and let the chips fall where they may. I doubt either party will let that happen.
@B6995ZG1mo1MO
Switch to a multi-member proportional ranked system for Congressional districts, increase the size of the House and get rid of the Senate, and make redistricting controlled by an independent commission at the national level
@B65KJSG1mo1MO
Yes - get rid of the undemocratic Senate and expand the size of the House, make districts multi-member and elected proportionally, with redistricting controlled by an independent commission
@B62JVJS2mos2MO
There shouldn't be Congressional districts. Voters should give proxies to the people who best represent their views.
@B5ZKV65Independent 2mos2MO
I support removing map-drawing power from partisan politicians, but I’m cautious of ‘independent’ commissions being manipulated behind the scenes. I would support a system with strict transparency, rotating membership, and citizen oversight to keep both parties and private interests in check.
@B5YHBYKRepublican2mos2MO
No, we should have a statewide election where citizens vote for a particular party, then we should award the number of representatives to each party proportionally, and then have partisan elections to elect candidates to fill the number of seats each party receives statewide
@B5TSF993mos3MO
I believe gerrymandering is often abused by politicians so they remain in power longer. I believe districts should be permanent borders.
@B5SSL9P3mos3MO
No, there is nothing stopping the commission themselves from becoming partisan so at least let it be drawn by elected figures
@B5SB5YV 3mos3MO
Yes, and congressional districts should be automatically determined using a publicly available algorithm that maximizes compactness and equal population.
@B5S9QKG3mos3MO
No, the federal government should draw permanent regional congressional districts to eliminate gerrymandering and accurately represent the people in Congress.
@B5PQ8XW3mos3MO
Yes, but those individuals assigned to the job should be restricted from ever holding office, taking donations and have their financial situations closley monitored to reduce the likelihood of bribes or kickbacks of any kind.
@B5FKJMN4mos4MO
Yes, and increase the size of the House of Representatives to make each district an average of 350,000.
@B4XJJJF 4mos4MO
No, each party will do whatever they can to gain advantages and there’s nothing we can do about that. It’s how it has gone forever. And nobody is truly “independent”. Sure, they may say that, but everyone has highly specific morals, values, and beliefs that will control the way they redraw the maps. I argue that is more dangerous since the public won’t know which way they will lean, leaving us in the dark.
@B4V42QN4mos4MO
YES. tHIS WHOLE GOVERNMENTAL DISASTER COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF REGULAR PPL WOULD HAVE PAID ATTN TO OPERATION ''RED MAP.''
@B4RBKM65mos5MO
No, how can we be sure that the independent, non-partisan commission stays independent and non-partisan.
@B4K26FG 5mos5MO
Yes, and increase the amount of electoral college members to 1,500, representatives to 2,500, and senators to 5 per state to make gerrymandering nearly impossible and to allow states to more accurately represent their constituents
@B4B7TKS5mos5MO
Make this based on geography not population, and make it so that it is more direct democracy instead od representative democracy.
@B4745755mos5MO
I feel it should stay the same but with more fair for both parties so it’s more modified and better and equal
@B44LQVT5mos5MO
Congressional districts should not be redrawn at all. They should make sense and follow geographical boundaries.
@B3ZYM5D6mos6MO
No, this is an assault on democracy, the republic, the constitution, checks and balances, weak government, and federalism
@B3MH69J 6mos6MO
I don't think it's truly possible to have an "independent, non-partisan commission". The commission would most likely lean one way or another, so I don't think it would be beneficial to have it because it would be the same problem, but in a different skin.
@B3N8LMJ6mos6MO
Congressional districts should just be county borders. No drawing lines to isolate certain a demographic.
@B3MH69J 6mos6MO
I don't think it's truly possible to have and "independent, non-partisan commission". The commission would most likely lean one way or another, so I don't think it would be beneficial to have it because it would be the same problem, but in a different skin.
@B32D9657mos7MO
Each jurisdiction should be allowed to choose whether its redistricting is controlled by the state legislature or an independent commission
@B2ZKFKG7mos7MO
Yes, and charge any politician responsible for gerrymandering or attempting to gerrymander with treason.
@B2W7KPW7mos7MO
The Congressional districts should be made to have equal amounts of population, and this does mean that the House of Representatives needs to be expanded in numbers so that the true population of states is shown
@B2TY6XD7mos7MO
Yes, and make Congress elected not by districts but by democratic workers' and/or communal councils.
@B2TFSFL7mos7MO
I'd say create a group of both dependent and dependent people, because there would be a lot more compromise involved (hopefully).
@B2Q79367mos7MO
Ideally, yes, but the redistricting commission can't just be an extension of gerrymandering, as it usually is.
@B2LRJF57mos7MO
Yes and the districts should be designed to be more competitive so that politicians don't take advantage of safe seats.
@B2L474Y7mos7MO
Yes, Make it easy.. Here's my idea, Every county will get 1 state senator and 1 US Congress person. And US congress person for each city that have Population of 50,000 with the county It resides in. And that will go for the state representatives too.
@B2JJYFDRepublican7mos7MO
There needs to be a third party oversight and should be agreed upon through 2 of the 3 functions of government.
@B2F9N6G8mos8MO
Not necessarily, but the redrawing of Congressional districts should be bound by both partisan and racial gerrymandering restrictions.
@B28ZXZV8mos8MO
I'm anti-democratic. I don't believe it is the best form of governance. Democracy is the god that failed the people. I would prefer monarchy or anarcho-capitalism
@9YHSZ3B10mos10MO
No, associating congressional seats with districts is an inherently flawed idea because whoever is in power will always draw them to suit their own agenda. Congressional seats should be given out by popular vote at the state level.
@9YB9N4310mos10MO
Eliminate districts, switch to national popular vote for national offices, follow city limits for district and reps may come from any part of city
@9X4HZBCRepublican10mos10MO
Gerrymandering shouldn't exist at all, since it hurts the people more, no matter what side you support.
@9WT7LGHIndependent10mos10MO
I do not believe it is possible, in our current cultural climate, to form a truly independent, non-partisan commission. Each party abuses the current system to their own advantage. The proposed commission would lead to abuses that only benefit one party, and I feel that is a worse outcome.
@9WQWWN810mos10MO
No, I believe gerrymandering is unfair, but I am AGAINST the inability to remove the appointed independent, non-partisan commission by voting.
@9WPNPNM10mos10MO
Yes, I think an unbiased independent, non-partisan commission should control the redrawing of congressional districts.
I think the Congressional districts are good as is, but can use a few tweaks to make it run more efficiently
@9WK8CM210mos10MO
Districts should simply be drawn to include the correct number of constituents and cities should not be divided between two different congressional districts
@9W9BR2SIndependent11mos11MO
Congressional districts should be drawn by a computer according to a single criterion: "Compactness"
@9RXNYG61yr1Y
Yes, but only until we switch to a more democratic, proportional or ranked choice voting system to avoid the issue entirely.
@9QXDSD4Republican1yr1Y
No, but all district maps should be approved by a majority of members of each party and independents in the state legislature.
@9QWBRTM1yr1Y
No, gerrymandering is already conducted my a mixed coalition of partisans, and requires approval of opposition
@9QW96TN1yr1Y
Yes, the ruling class should be afforded as few privileges as possible. Congressional boundaries should be voted on by the people in that state.
@9QW6W8VIndependent1yr1Y
Yes, if a State cannot produce a good election map, a neutral AI should come in and create the map based on population alone.
@9LCL6L41yr1Y
No, a so-called independent and non-partisan commission could be both skewed by outside influence (lobbying or bribing) and partisan. Any other alternative would likely by preferable.
@9L7N2XG1yr1Y
No gerrymandering allows officials to more effectively represent the interests of their constituency.
@9KWJJF7 1yr1Y
Yes, but the redrawing should be done by AI that is programmed to be non biased and it cannot be hacked.
@9KVJKQ71yr1Y
non-partisan district drawing to be re-evaluated every 2-4 years for redrawing to prevent gerrymandering.
@9KSLQTF1yr1Y
Yes, or convert to a transparent fully-defined process (which does not allow the drawers to make any decisions, but rather specifies the process in the law).
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...
Join in on more popular conversations.
