Short Answer 
Gerrymandering involves political parties manipulating voting district lines to gain an electoral advantage by favoring their candidates, though it raises fairness concerns. Common strategies include creating districts with loyal supporters, diluting opposition votes, and ensuring incumbents’ success. While generally legal, it can face legal challenges if it discriminates against minority groups, highlighted by cases like the 2015 Georgia dispute.
Understanding Gerrymandering
Political parties manipulate voting districts, a practice known as gerrymandering, to gain an electoral edge. This involves strategically drawing district lines to favor their candidates by ensuring majority support in specific areas. While this practice is not illegal, it raises concerns about fairness and representation in elections.
Strategies Used in Gerrymandering
To effectively gerrymander, parties employ several tactics that undermine the voting power of the opposition. Common strategies include:
- Creating districts predominantly filled with loyal party voters to secure predictable wins.
- Splitting opposition voters across multiple districts, which dilutes their overall influence.
- Grouping voters that support incumbents to ensure their continued success in elections.
Legal and Ethical Implications
While gerrymandering is generally legal, it can face legal challenges, particularly if it discriminates against minority populations. For example, certain district adjustments may undermine the voting power of specific groups. Legal disputes, like the 2015 Georgia case regarding African American voters, emphasize the ongoing issues surrounding this contentious practice in redistricting.