Voter Education Series: Gerrymandering- How It Shapes Election and Representation in Essex County, New Jersey

Welcome back to our Voter Education Series, where we explain important political terms and concepts to help you stay informed and engaged. This week, we’re going to define “gerrymandering,” a term you might have heard during election seasons. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it impact your vote and representation? Let’s explore.

What Is Gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor a specific political party or group. This manipulation can significantly influence election outcomes and, consequently, the policies that affect our daily lives. The term originated in 1812 when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved a district map resembling a salamander, leading to the blend of his name and the word "salamander" to coin "gerrymander."

How Does Gerrymandering Work?

There are two primary tactics used in gerrymandering:

Packing: Concentrating as many voters of the opposing party into a few districts as possible, ensuring they win those districts by overwhelming margins but have less influence elsewhere.
Cracking: Diluting the voting power of the opposing party's supporters by spreading them across many districts, making it difficult for them to achieve a majority in any of them.

These strategies can lead to oddly shaped districts that serve political interests rather than reflecting natural community boundaries.

www.CountyOffice.org explains how Gerrymandering works.

Gerrymandering in New Jersey

In New Jersey, both state legislative and congressional districts are drawn by bipartisan commissions. Each commission comprises an equal number of Democrats and Republicans, with a tie-breaking chair selected by the other commissioners.

However, this system doesn't always eliminate partisan influence. For instance, in 2021, the New Jersey Redistricting Commission approved a new congressional map favoring Democratic representatives in North and South Jersey. This redistricting made certain districts more secure for incumbents, while others became more challenging for the opposing party to win.

Impact on Essex County

As residents of Essex County, it's essential to understand how gerrymandering can affect our community:

Representation: Gerrymandering can lead to elected officials who don't accurately represent the community's interests, as district lines are drawn to favor a particular party rather than reflecting the constituents' preferences.
Policy Outcomes: When districts are designed to secure seats for a specific party, the resulting lack of competition can lead to policies that don't necessarily align with the community's needs.
Voter Engagement: Feeling that district lines are manipulated can lead to voter apathy, reducing turnout and diminishing the community's voice in the political process.

What Can You Do?

Understanding gerrymandering is the first step toward ensuring fair representation. Here's how you can get involved:

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about how district lines are drawn and the implications for your community. Resources like the Brennan Center for Justice offer detailed explanations.
Participate in Public Hearings: Redistricting commissions often hold public hearings. Your input can influence how districts are shaped. Keep an eye on announcements from the New Jersey Redistricting Commission for opportunities to voice your concerns.
Support Reform Initiatives: Advocate for reforms that promote independent redistricting commissions to minimize partisan influence. Organizations like the League of Women Voters of New Jersey work towards fair redistricting practices.
Vote: Exercise your right to vote in every election. An engaged electorate can counteract the effects of gerrymandering by supporting candidates committed to fair representation.

Voter Knowledge

Gerrymandering undermines the principles of fair representation by allowing politicians to choose their voters, rather than voters choosing their representatives. In Essex County, staying informed and engaged is crucial to ensure that our electoral districts reflect our community's true interests.