What’s a “fair” map?

There are five major variables that determine how fair or representative a map is:

• Proportionality– The number of districts that lean twoards a political party should match the proportional number of people that traditionally vote for that party in elections. For example, Kamala Harris won 56% of the vote in New York yet 19 out of 26 (73%) congressional districts were won by Harris. Therefore the map is disproportionate.
• Compactness– Districts should be compact and resemble more circular or rectangular shapes. Districts that stretch over large parts of the state to grab certain constituencies are a sign of gerrymandering (cracking and packing). Uncompact districts are the best example of “you know it when you see it” gerrymandering
• Competitiveness– A few districts (not all) in a state ideally should competitive in a general election, this ensures that the will of the voters election after election can make meaningful change in the composition of congress, and generally leads to more moderate candidates winning in primaries.
• Splitting– Minimize the splitting of counties and communities of interest. Districts are supposed to be representative of local constituencies, so ensuring those constituencies stay intact is important. For example, keeping a Native American reservation intact.
• Minority Representation– Minorities need representation in congress, so by keeping minorities in the same district instead of diluting them with other minorities or majority, it increases the likelihood a minority is elected. The Voting Rights Act or VRA prohibits purposeful splitting of minority communities and has been enforced regularly in court.