Every ten years, Delaware redraws its state, and local legislative district maps. This process is meant to ensure that as populations grow and change, every Delaware voter can have equal representation and an equal voice in government.
We’re fighting for fair, transparent, and equitable redistricting at every level — advocating for legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act to help end partisan gerrymandering, inviting Delaware residents to testify at public hearings, and telling our mapmakers the story of communities across Delaware.
Delaware State Legislative and Senate Districts
In Delaware, there is only one congressional district, so congressional redistricting is not necessary. State legislative redistricting is controlled by the state legislature, subject to gubernatorial veto.
Mapping Criteria
When partisan politicians control the mapmaking process, we’re especially vulnerable to gerrymandering — which is why it’s so important we push our lawmakers to be transparent and consider public testimony every step of the way.
Mapmakers must prioritize:
- Districts must comply with the provisions of the US Constitution and Voting Rights Act and keep districts reasonably equal in population.
- Keeping communities of interest and political subdivisions whole.
- Compactness
- Maximizing the number of politically competitive districts
Districts may not be drawn:
- To protect one or more incumbents, declared candidates, or political parties.
- With intent or effect of denial/abridgement of voting rights or vote dilution because of race or membership in a language minority group.
Why Redistricting Matters for Delaware
When done fairly, redistricting is a chance for political power to be equitably distributed across different communities, making sure everyone has a seat at the table.
Unfortunately, redistricting has historically been conducted behind closed doors with little to no public input, meaning they don’t have an accurate picture of what our communities look like.
Even worse, when politicians have the power to draw electoral maps, they manipulate district lines to divide or pack together certain populations, keeping themselves and their party in power. It’s called gerrymandering – and it’s a major threat to our democracy.
Key Dates For Delaware 2021 Redistricting
Hearings are held in September to take testimony from communities of interest. When the legislature receives the federal Census data, they use it in combination with public input to create draft maps.
The legislature processes the data, displays draft maps, and holds hearings to get public feedback to revise the maps. After that, the maps are finalized and approved.
Join us at a future public hearing to give testimony!
- Public Hearing on Redistricting: September 28, 6:00 pm, registration
To give testimony, please register for the hearing above or submit written comments at https://legis.delaware.gov/Redistricting/RedistrictingComments.
Delaware Redistricting Resources
Use these resources to learn more about how you can get involved in fighting for fair districts and stopping gerrymandering in Pennsylvania.