Pennsylvania redistricting in the 2031-32 cycle results in less gerrymandered maps compared to the 2021-22 cycle.
When residents have the opportunity to shape their communities and to elect leaders who represent their interests, they can feel more confident in the democratic process.
Redistricting, as required by the U.S. Constitution, determines representation by elected officials of the people. A fair and transparent redistricting process that prioritizes Pennsylvania’s residents over partisan interests strengthens democracy for everyone. It also aligns with the Foundation’s values of prioritizing opportunities for communities most affected by injustice and elevating community voice.
The Foundation has previously supported non-partisan efforts to educate and involve Pennsylvanians in the redistricting process. Thanks to engaged residents, advocates, and organizations across the state, the map of Pennsylvania’s voting districts in 2022 improved using many standard measures of gerrymandering (defined as the manipulation of boundaries in favor of one party or another) [1]. At the same time, there is more to be done in the next cycle (2031-32) to ensure that Pennsylvanians see their communities fairly represented.
In advancing this objective, we recognize that there are many ways that organizations and communities can contribute to a redistricting process that yields less gerrymandered maps. Possible efforts include approaches that advance policy changes, the ongoing education of Pennsylvania residents about what redistricting is and how it can affect their lives, and projects that support residents’ involvement in redistricting decisions. We are seeking to support projects and programs that organizations in Pennsylvania believe will be most effective in making progress on the objective above.
We assess our progress on this objective using measures of fairness and openness of the redistricting process as well as analyses of the final electoral maps. Leading up to the final maps in 2032, we will look at early indicators such as the opportunities for public input into the map-drawing process, public hearings and transparent decision-making, and community participation in efforts to educate residents about redistricting. Once the final 2032 maps are adopted, we will rely on analysis conducted by respected organizations that score and issue report cards on the maps.
The William Penn Foundation is strictly non-partisan and funds only charitable activities as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.
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