What is the process of redrawing district boundaries called?

The process of redrawing district boundaries is known as redistricting. This involves adjusting the boundaries of electoral districts to reflect changes in population and ensure that each district has approximately equal representation. Redistricting occurs after the decennial census, which provides updated population data for various regions. This process is crucial for maintaining the principle of “one person, one vote,” as it ensures that districts are equitable in terms of the number of constituents.

Redistricting may also involve considerations such as community interests and geographical features to create districts that are more representative of the populations they serve. It is important to note that while redistricting aims to create fair and effective representation, it can also be manipulated through gerrymandering.

Gerrymandering refers specifically to the practice of drawing district boundaries in a way that gives one political party an advantage over others, often resulting in oddly shaped districts. Apportionment relates to the distribution of seats in a legislative body, such as Congress, based on population changes, while reapportionment is the process of reallocating congressional seats among the states. Yet, it is redistricting that focuses specifically on altering district boundaries following these demographic shifts.