Gerrymandering is the practice of politicians drawing voting district lines to make their elections easier to win. Instead of voters choosing their representatives, representatives choose their voters.
This practice has been used by both major political parties throughout American history and continues today.
When districts are drawn to favor one party or candidate, the result is:
- Fewer competitive elections
- Less accountability to voters
- Increased political division
- More extreme candidates
Fixing this issue is essential to restoring fairness and trust in our electoral system.
Veterans for All Voters supports citizen-led, independent redistricting commissions because they can help reduce direct political interference in the map-drawing process.
These commissions can:
- Make the process more transparent
- Reduce obvious partisan manipulation
- Give citizens a stronger role in shaping fairer districts
Independent commissions are an important reform and a meaningful step forward.
Even the best redistricting reforms have real limits. Because of geographic self-sorting, many Americans increasingly live around people who share similar political views. That means even highly fair and unbiased maps may only improve competition by about 5%.
In practical terms, that could mean only 20 to 25 more competitive U.S. House districts nationwide. Competitive districts have been shrinking for years as communities become more politically clustered.
Even in states with independent redistricting commissions, such as California and Virginia, commissions can still be overridden or sidestepped, allowing gerrymandered outcomes to return.
Veterans for All Voters supports reforms that put voters first, increase accountability, and create more meaningful competition.
That includes:
- Opposition to partisan gerrymandering
- Support for citizen-led, independent redistricting commissions
- Honest public education about the limits of map-based reform
- Support for broader structural reforms that increase real voter choice
We believe the goal is not just fairer maps. The goal is a healthier system where voters have stronger voices and elected officials are more accountable.
I wore a uniform. Now I lead a community of veterans who still serve by strengthening the rules of our democracy. Lately I’ve heard a growing chorus from people I respect from across the political spectrum: “If they gerrymander, we should gerrymander too. Fight fire with fire.” I understand the frustration, but I strongly reject the logic.
These groups provide research, legal advocacy, public education, and map analysis that help citizens better understand the issue and push for reform which negate the negative impact of gerrymandering.
Join a growing network of veterans and supporters working to fix the systems shaping our elections. Inside, you’ll get access to issue-specific spaces like Gerrymandering, where you can connect with others, learn what’s happening in your state, and take meaningful action.
No experience required, just a willingness to be part of the solution.
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