Gerrymandering dates back to the early 19th century and the nefarious activities of Elbridge Gerry
- David Millward, us correspondent
An electoral map " motivated by invidious partisan intent" has been thrown out by two federal judges handing the Democrats a major victory on what is set to be one of the major political battlegrounds of 2018.
The ruling, which saw North Carolina's congressional map struck down as unconstitutional on Tuesday, has nationwide implications and could pose a threat to Donald Trump's grip on Washington.
As things stand elections for the House of Representatives will be fought on maps drawn after the 2010 census which, experts say, give the Republicans between 23 and 25 seats more than they are entitled to based on their share of the vote.
Similar complaints have been made about maps for statewide elections, with allegations that gerrymandering for partisan political purposes is widespread.
If voter ID law was the big political issue of the past few years, the fight over electoral redistricting is poised to be the battleground between the Democrats and Republicans in 2018.
The ruling, which saw North Carolina's congressional map struck down as unconstitutional on Tuesday, has nationwide implications and could pose a threat to Donald Trump's grip on Washington.
As things stand elections for the House of Representatives will be fought on maps drawn after the 2010 census which, experts say, give the Republicans between 23 and 25 seats more than they are entitled to based on their share of the vote.
Similar complaints have been made about maps for statewide elections, with allegations that gerrymandering for partisan political purposes is widespread.
If voter ID law was the big political issue of the past few years, the fight over electoral redistricting is poised to be the battleground between the Democrats and Republicans in 2018.