Your questions on redistricting, answered

 

August 19, 2025

It was another busy week for democracy. The gerrymandering saga continued in Texas and California released its proposed map to fight back. Other states, both red and blue, continue to explore what they may want to do to change maps in advance of 2026.    Donald Trump continues to expand his deployment of the national guard and federal law enforcement and issue unhinged social media posts.   Meanwhile, as the fate of the Voting Rights Act hangs in the balance in the Supreme Court, the 5th Circuit declared the Louisiana legislative map illegal under the VRA.    We had some wins this week. You had some questions. I have some answers.    Now let’s get into it.

Every Tuesday, Democracy Docket founder and top voting rights attorney Marc Elias answers members’ questions in a written Q&A — giving you insight into what the news really means.   Upgrade now for $10/month to get Marc’s full analysis, straight from your questions.

Q: Are other blue states trying to redistrict like California?  The 2026 midterm elections are around the corner.  How much time does it take to get all procedures and consents in place to get maps for redistricting in place to affect an increase in Democratic seats?   — Ella Mae   A: New York, Maryland and Illinois are also looking at redistricting. While Gov. Kathy Hochul said she’s looking into legal strategies to move forward with the process, the New York State process is a complicated and messy one that could make changing the map difficult until 2027 — too late for the midterm elections.    While Illinois and Maryland have an easier way forward for mid-cycle redistricting, there are fewer potential seats for Democratic to pick up. The door isn’t closed for any of them — or for the handful of other Democratic controlled states. This is an all-hands-on deck situation, and we must be united.

Q: After the Census, what data is given to states for the purposes of redistricting? What other sources of information can be used to inform gerrymandering and how can we prevent them getting it? How do nonpartisan commissions help to prevent this when individuals have their own biases?

 

— Lisa

 

A: The most important data states use in drawing new maps comes from the census. The Constitution requires an equal population for each congressional district within a state and census data is the key to meeting that requirement. 

 

In addition, states may use racial data to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act as well as other data sources to protect communities of interest.

 

When it comes to partisan gerrymandering...

This is a shortened version of Marc's member Q&A. Have questions about redistricting, voting rights and more?   Upgrade to read the rest and take advantage of this member perk — plus, by becoming a member, you will directly support independent, pro-democracy media that cuts through the noise.

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