The Effect of Redistricting Commissions on Electoral Competitiveness in U.S. House Elections, 2002-2010


  •  Eric Lindgren    
  •  Priscilla Southwell    

Abstract

This research examines the various methods of electoral districting in the post-2000 Census years in order to determine the variation in competitiveness for subsequent elections to the U.S. House of Representatives. The evidence from this period suggests that “backup” and independent commissions resulted in more competitive districts, as measured by margin of victory and challenger win rate, after controlling for partisan and contextual factors.



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