Rules of Redistricting
A combination of national, state, and local rules guide the redistricting process. While the federal requirements apply universally, state and local governments can establish additional constraints and priorities.The rules are complicated and sometimes quite vague! Here is a short explainer.Federal Requirements
Population balance: Districts should have very close to the same total population
Voting Rights Act compliance: Since 1965, districts cannot block qualifying minority groups from electing candidates of choice -- this has been greatly weakened since 2013, and especially in the last few years!
Common State and Local Requirements
Communities of Interest: Groups with significant shared interests should have a voice in redistricting
Contiguity: Each district should be one connected component
Compactness: District shapes should be “reasonable”
Boundary preservation: District lines should follow natural and official boundaries, such as rivers or town and county borders
For a slightly more detailed discussion, here's a handout. Friends of the Lab Doug Spencer and Justin Levitt are responsible for a guide to state-by-state rules at All About Redistricting. The Brennan Center also has an excellent Citizens Guide to Redistricting, summarized in their 50 State handout.
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