Elbridge Gerry
Coverage of Elbridge Gerry in the Nexus archive.
- The Geography of Salamander Maps: All Is not as it Seems
The article discusses the origins of the term 'gerry-mander' from 1812, referencing Massachusetts's Essex South District, and examines modern examples like North Carolina's 12th district and Louisiana's 6th district. It highlights how oddly shaped legislative districts do not always indicate gerrymandering and explores the Supreme Court's 2026 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which limits judicial ability to challenge racially discriminatory maps.
- A Helpful Guide to Fair Elections From the Supreme Court Majority
The Supreme Court majority outlines a satirical guide for fair elections, emphasizing irregularly shaped congressional districts that favor Republicans and dismissing the Voting Rights Act as unconstitutional. The guide also references the Purcell principle, suggesting last-minute map changes are acceptable if they likely lead to Republican victories.
- Welcome to the Golden Age of Gerrymandering
The article discusses the resurgence of gerrymandering in 2026, citing Texas's redistricting under President Trump and the Supreme Court's Callais decision blocking a majority-Black district in Louisiana. It contextualizes this as part of a long history of gerrymandering in the U.S., dating back to 1812.
- LEE CARTER: The quiet way politicians are choosing their voters (and why you should care more than you think)
Gerrymandering is a technical term that refers to the practice of redrawing voting district lines to favor one party over another, which can affect the outcome of elections and undermine democracy. This practice has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, including former President Barack Obama and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The issue is a power problem that affects how much a person's voice counts in elections.