Fair Districts 2012 was founded during the critical redistricting cycle that followed the 2010 Census, when communities across America watched as political operatives used sophisticated mapping software to draw districts that served partisan interests rather than the public good.
What began as a grassroots response to egregious gerrymandering in several states has grown into a sustained advocacy organization that works year-round to promote fair redistricting principles, support reform legislation, and educate voters about the importance of how district lines are drawn.
Every ten years, following the Census, electoral district boundaries are redrawn to reflect population changes. This process determines which communities are grouped together for representation at every level of government — from Congress to state legislatures to city councils. When done fairly, redistricting ensures equal representation. When manipulated, it can silence millions of voters.
Studies have shown that gerrymandering contributes to political polarization, reduces electoral competition, decreases voter turnout, and undermines public trust in democratic institutions. Fair Districts 2012 exists to combat these corrosive effects and build a redistricting system worthy of our democratic ideals.
We take a non-partisan approach to redistricting reform. We believe that neither party should have the power to draw districts for partisan advantage. Our proposals are grounded in principles that transcend party lines: compactness, contiguity, respect for political subdivisions and communities of interest, and compliance with the Voting Rights Act.