By Joy Powers
Every decade states around the country redraw their district maps. This process creates different legislative and congressional districts, proportionately divided by population. But since it last happened in 2011, the redistricting process has become increasingly controversial.
Gerrymandering is the process dividing districts based on political preference, and it allows politicians to choose their voters. Gerrymandered districts have come to dominate legislatures around the country, including here in Wisconsin.
These districts have allowed Republican politicians in the Wisconsin Legislature to retain majorities in both the Assembly and Senate, even when their party receives fewer votes. Gerrymandering expert, David Daley, says that’s bad for democracy.