gerrymandering
JER-ee-man-der-ing
Definition
The practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to provide an unfair political advantage to a particular party or group.
Etymology
The word originated in 1812, combining the name of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry with 'salamander,' because he signed a redistricting bill that created a district shaped like the mythical creature.
In the news
A citizen quoted in the article equates the act of redrawing district maps specifically to influence election outcomes with gerrymandering, framing it as a form of voter suppression. The term highlights the core controversy behind Missouri's state-led push to reconfigure congressional boundaries.
Missouri Court Blocks Trump-Backed US House Map and Orders It to Be Put to a Vote
Read the full article ↗The Well News