Fair district maps
How the lines for congressional and legislative districts are drawn, how gerrymandering shapes representation, and what states are trying. Facts come from official and nonpartisan sources. We do not take sides.
The basics
Every ten years, after the census, states redraw the districts that elect members of Congress and state legislatures.
Who draws the lines
In most states the legislature draws the maps. A growing number of states use independent or bipartisan commissions instead.
What gerrymandering is
Drawing district lines to favor one party or group. Both major parties have done it. Tactics include packing voters into a few districts or cracking them across many.
Rucho v. Common Cause (2019)
The Supreme Court ruled that federal courts cannot decide partisan gerrymandering claims. Those fights now happen in state courts, legislatures and ballot measures.
Mid-decade redistricting
In 2025 several states, including Texas and California, redrew their congressional maps in the middle of the decade. California voters approved Proposition 50 in November 2025, which set aside the citizens commission map through 2030.
Where people disagree
Thoughtful people land in different places on this question.
Take politics out
Supporters of independent commissions say voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around, and that fair lines make more races competitive.
Leave it to elected officials
Others say redistricting is a legislative duty with voter accountability, that commissions are not truly neutral, and that one state disarming alone can shift national power.
Who is working on it
Institute for Economics and Peace
Its research on Positive Peace names a well-functioning government and acceptance of the rights of others among the 8 Pillars that keep societies peaceful. Fair representation supports both. Rotary is a strategic partner of IEP. See Vision of Humanity.
RepresentUs
Campaigns for independent redistricting and other anti-corruption reforms.
Princeton Gerrymandering Project
Nonpartisan analysis that grades state maps for fairness.
Dave’s Redistricting
A free tool that lets anyone draw and test district maps.
American Promise
A cross-partisan group focused on free and fair elections and a constitutional amendment on money in elections.
Trusted sources
All About Redistricting
Loyola Law School guide to how every state draws its lines, including lawsuits.
Ballotpedia: redistricting
Neutral, state by state coverage of maps, commissions and court cases.
California Citizens Redistricting Commission
The official commission site for California, including the effect of Proposition 50.
National Conference of State Legislatures
A bipartisan resource comparing election laws across the 50 states.
Bring it to your club
Use Rotary’s Four-Way Test to host a civil conversation. Try these questions at a club meeting or with Democracy In A Box.
Is it the truth?
Look up your own district map together. What communities does it keep together or split apart?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Would we accept the process in our state if the other party were in charge of it?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Could members agree on basic principles, such as keeping cities and counties whole?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
What would help voters in every district feel their vote counts?
A program of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach. Rate your project with the 4-7-8-17 framework at 47817.org.
Keep exploring
Download the U.S. Constitution (PDF)
Our free large-print booklet: the full Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all 27 amendments, from the National Archives text. Presented with Democracy In A Box and the Rotary Club of Newport Beach.
Understanding free and fair elections
Our full nonpartisan guide: the life of a ballot, money, maps, reform history and talking across divides.
All topics
Money in politics, fair district maps, campaign finance and polarization.
