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To manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.
The ruling party was accused of gerrymandering the district maps to reduce opposition influence.
Independent analysts found evidence that the new voting districts were gerrymandered to benefit incumbents.
Commonly used in discussions about electoral fairness and democratic integrity.
When you hear 'gerrymander', think of unfair advantage in elections. It’s not just redrawing lines—it’s about power, representation, and often, controversy.
Not all redistricting is gerrymandering. The key is intentional bias—either to protect incumbents or weaken opposition—making it a legal and ethical issue in democratic systems.
Coined in 1812 from the name 'Gerry' (after Elbridge Gerry, governor of Massachusetts) and 'salamander', due to the shape of a district said to resemble a salamander. The term combines his name with the creature to mock the unnatural district shape.
Typically used in political and legal contexts to criticize biased redistricting. Often appears in passive constructions (e.g., 'the districts were gerrymandered').