What does "gerrymandering" refer to?

Gerrymandering refers specifically to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries in a way that gives one political party an advantage over others. This practice often involves drawing district lines in a manner that strategically concentrates or disperses groups of voters based on their political affiliations. By doing so, the party in control can maximize its electoral power and minimize the representation of its opponents.

This strategy can create distorted electoral maps, resulting in outcomes where the distribution of votes does not correspond fairly to the number of seats won. The term itself originates from a combination of the name of Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, who approved a redistricting plan in 1812 that included a district that resembled a salamander. This highlights the historical context and the ongoing implications of gerrymandering in contemporary politics, as it fundamentally challenges the principle of fair representation in democratic systems.