gerrymander
The party gerrymandered the district to secure more votes.
They redrew the district lines to favor their candidates.
To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one political party or group.
Critics accused the government of gerrymandering to maintain power.
They were blamed for unfairly redrawing district lines to stay in control.
Derived from the name of Elbridge Gerry, a 19th-century U.S. governor whose district map resembled a salamander.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Political Context
This term is almost exclusively used in discussions about elections and voting rights.
Gold Rule
Legal Implications
Gerrymandering is often challenged in courts as a violation of fair representation.
Word Origin
From 'Gerry' (Elbridge Gerry) + 'mander' (from salamander, due to the shape of the district). Coined in 1812.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in political and legal contexts to describe unethical electoral practices.