Introduction
Once every ten years, in response to census data, states can redraw their congressional maps. Typically this occurs after a census so that congressional districts can be aligned with up-to-date data. However, there are some cases where redistricting can happen mid-decade. In the lead-up to the 2026 Midterm Elections there has been a lot of news about states redrawing their congressional maps, with those in control of the process potentially hoping to rig maps in favor of certain candidates and political parties. This practice is known as partisan gerrymandering, and it dates back to the redrawing of Massachusetts state senate election districts in 1812.
This has a big impact on our right to vote for our elected representatives. Elections should lead to winning candidates who reflect the preferences of their constituents. Gerrymandered maps mean politicians choose the voters instead of voters choosing the politicians. In several cases, the issue of redrawing congressional maps has led to federal and even Supreme Court cases to determine what is and is not allowed.
A4SC Resources
The below resources include relevant videos and lesson plans from our content library that will help contextualize this current event within broader, more enduring, concepts.
Political Parties: Winner Takes All – What is a political party and how do they work?
Gerrymandering: Manipulating Democracy – Understanding gerrymandering, how it impacts elections, and why it matters.
Voter Turnout: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Casts Their Ballot – Voting is central to how our government functions, but voter turnout in the United States is relatively low. How does voter turnout work and why does it matter?
Discussion Questions
- Who do you think should draw the voting district lines? Elected representatives? An independent non-political commission? Computers?
- How do you think gerrymandering affects how candidates campaign?
- People sometimes say “every vote counts.” Do you think that’s true if districts are heavily gerrymandered? What does it mean for a vote to count?
Activity
The election commission has hired the class to design a federal law aimed at combatting gerrymandering in the United States. Split the class into a few groups. At the end, each group will present their proposed federal law to the class. Each group will try to convince the rest of the group to vote to enact their law.
Be sure to consider how to appeal to both parties. A few things to consider:
– What has been done to address the issue in the past?
– Why do you think these attempts have been unsuccessful? How do you plan to address these issues?
– What areas seem to be the most impacted by gerrymandering? How will your proposal help these areas?
– Think through the possible objections about your federal law that each party might have.
Additional Resources
- Li, Michael, “Gerrymandering Explained,” Brennan Center for Justice, 9 August 2025. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/gerrymandering-explained
- McGann, Anthony K, et al. Gerrymandering in America: The House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and the Future of Popular Sovereignty. Cambridge University Press, 2016.
- “United States – Political Parties.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 6 Sept. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States/Political-parties
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