The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Aug. 7, 2025
We’ve been explaining the basics of fair redistricting and unfair gerrymandering this week. Who does the redistricting, and how can that encourage fair maps and curb partisan and racial gerrymandering?
In the majority of states, partisan legislative subcommittees draw redistricting maps. The method used sometimes varies between state legislative districts and Congressional districts. Because redistricting is sophisticated and data intensive, legislators often hire outside contractors, and all too often, data specialists from the majority party’s national headquarters. In 29 states, the governor has veto power over the maps.
In some states, advisory commissions are appointed by the governor and leaders of both parties. Sometimes it’s all politicians, or in the case of Virginia and New York a mix of political appointees and citizens. Such commissions can make map recommendations, but those recommendations are subject to change and often ignored by the legislature.
For fair and competitive maps, constitutionally-mandated independent citizen redistricting commissions in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan and Montana have had the most success. Citizens registered as Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters are usually appointed in equal numbers and are required to follow redistricting best practices – including public input. In some cases such commissions have unwound decades of rigged maps – which is why anti-voter politicians work so hard to stop them.
We have details on all these redistricting models at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
BallotPedia – State by State Redistricting Procedures
National Conference of State Legislatures – Redistricting Commissions: State Legislative Plans
National Conference of State Legislatures – Redistricting Commissions: Congressional Plans
Brennan Center for Justice – A Better Way to Draw Districts
Campaign Legal Center – Independent Redistricting Commissions
Common Cause – Independent and Advisory Redistricting Commissions
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause, FairVote, League of Women Voters US
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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