Civics: Notes on redistricting (elected officials maps; ie who we vote for)q

Patrick Marley:

States must draw new election maps once a decade after each census to make sure legislative districts have equal populations. Where the lines go can confer advantages on one political party.

Federal law is complicated because it says mapmakers cannot consider race most of the time but must take it into account when they are drawing lines in areas with high populations of minorities. The policy is meant to ensure Black and Latino voters have opportunities to elect the candidates they want.