Redistricting 101
Redistricting occurs at the beginning of each decade, using the demographic and geographic data from the official U.S. census. The purpose of redrawing districts is to ensure equal democratic representation among the members of the population - by ensuring that district populations are of equal size, as nearly as practicable - to achieve the principle of “one person, one vote.”
Congressional redistricting refers to district lines drawn to establish representation in the House of Representatives, and legislative redistricting refers to district lines drawn to establish representation in state government. The U.S. Constitution establishes the census as the basis for the apportionment of members of the House of Representatives, but does not include language on establishing legislative districts; therefore, each state has its own method of redrawing legislative boundaries. While the details differ from state to state and between congressional and legislative redistricting, general redistricting principles must be followed in accordance with established state or federal constitutional provisions, laws such as the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, and a significant number of court decisions.
Gerrymandering 101
When those in charge of drawing the maps attempt to manipulate district lines to gain an electoral advantage, this is a gerrymander. Gerrymandering can favor (or disfavor) a certain party or group of citizens, and serves to gain (or maintain) votes/seats/power on one side. When legislators feel secure in gerrymandered districts, they are less likely to listen to voters and are harder to hold accountable. Gerrymandering is not as pervasive in New Jersey as in other states due to our current redistricting process, but there are still improvements to be made!
Fair Districts NJ
Fair Districts New Jersey is a coalition led by LWV New Jersey, dedicated to ensuring that New Jersey's voting districts are drawn in a way that is transparent, representative, community-driven and fair. Fair Districts calls for more meaningful public input into the process, greater transparency, and an independent redistricting commission. We are part of a national movement to put power where it belongs - into the hands of New Jersey voters.
People Powered Fair Maps
The People Powered Fair Maps™ advocacy effort led by LWV US is the national-level fair redistricting effort, comprising five focus areas:
Resources
New Jersey Congressional (Federal) Redistricting Process
New Jersey Legislative (State) Redistricting Process
Princeton Gerrymandering Project - "Practice Bug Fixes for Democracy"
All About Redistricting - Loyola Law School LA
Gerrymandering and Fair Representation - Brennan Center for Justice
Redistricting legislation by state - Brennan Center for Justice
Redistricting models by state - Ballotpedia
Redistricting occurs at the beginning of each decade, using the demographic and geographic data from the official U.S. census. The purpose of redrawing districts is to ensure equal democratic representation among the members of the population - by ensuring that district populations are of equal size, as nearly as practicable - to achieve the principle of “one person, one vote.”
Congressional redistricting refers to district lines drawn to establish representation in the House of Representatives, and legislative redistricting refers to district lines drawn to establish representation in state government. The U.S. Constitution establishes the census as the basis for the apportionment of members of the House of Representatives, but does not include language on establishing legislative districts; therefore, each state has its own method of redrawing legislative boundaries. While the details differ from state to state and between congressional and legislative redistricting, general redistricting principles must be followed in accordance with established state or federal constitutional provisions, laws such as the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, and a significant number of court decisions.
Gerrymandering 101
When those in charge of drawing the maps attempt to manipulate district lines to gain an electoral advantage, this is a gerrymander. Gerrymandering can favor (or disfavor) a certain party or group of citizens, and serves to gain (or maintain) votes/seats/power on one side. When legislators feel secure in gerrymandered districts, they are less likely to listen to voters and are harder to hold accountable. Gerrymandering is not as pervasive in New Jersey as in other states due to our current redistricting process, but there are still improvements to be made!
Fair Districts NJ
Fair Districts New Jersey is a coalition led by LWV New Jersey, dedicated to ensuring that New Jersey's voting districts are drawn in a way that is transparent, representative, community-driven and fair. Fair Districts calls for more meaningful public input into the process, greater transparency, and an independent redistricting commission. We are part of a national movement to put power where it belongs - into the hands of New Jersey voters.
People Powered Fair Maps
The People Powered Fair Maps™ advocacy effort led by LWV US is the national-level fair redistricting effort, comprising five focus areas:
- Ballot Initiatives or Referendums
- State Constitutional Options
- State Legislative Fixes
- Federal Legislative Fixes
- Civic Engagement & Education
Resources
New Jersey Congressional (Federal) Redistricting Process
New Jersey Legislative (State) Redistricting Process
Princeton Gerrymandering Project - "Practice Bug Fixes for Democracy"
All About Redistricting - Loyola Law School LA
Gerrymandering and Fair Representation - Brennan Center for Justice
Redistricting legislation by state - Brennan Center for Justice
Redistricting models by state - Ballotpedia