Redrawing the electoral map – did redistricting even the playing field for Virginia voters?

Along with a new governor, Virginia voters will soon have new Congressional districts. The new map shows an altered state, leaving several incumbents living outside the areas they represent.

When any state redraws its lines, it is often met with skepticism and complaint. The true purpose of redistricting is to ensure that representation by population is achieved. But too often, efforts have been met with accusations of marginalizing pockets of voters or giving an added electoral advantage to one party or the other.

The Commonwealth of Virginia just went through the process of redistricting, and when journalists needed expert insight, they turned to UMW Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth to help with their coverage.

Dr. Stephen Farnsworth is a sought-after political commentator on presidential politics. He has been widely featured in national media, including The Washington Post, Reuters, The Chicago Tribune and MSNBC. If you are a reporter covering the midterms and especially Virginia politics, simple click on his icon to arrange an interview today.