Anti-Rigging Act of 2025
Summary
The Anti-Rigging Act of 2025 aims to limit congressional redistricting to once per decennial census, preventing states from redrawing district lines multiple times within a decade. Exceptions are made only when a court mandates redistricting to comply with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The bill asserts Congress's authority under Article I, Section 4, and the Fourteenth Amendment, Section 5, to regulate the manner of elections and enforce fair apportionment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Anti-Rigging Act would likely reduce the frequency of gerrymandering, potentially leading to more stable and representative congressional districts. This could decrease political polarization and increase voter confidence. The Act would not affect state and local elections.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced gerrymandering, leading to fairer elections.
- Increased stability in congressional districts.
- Potentially decreased political polarization.
- Strengthened voter confidence in the electoral process.
- Enforcement of constitutional principles of fair representation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential legal challenges from states arguing infringement on their authority to conduct elections.
- Possible entrenchment of existing political power if initial redistricting is biased.
- Limited flexibility to address unforeseen demographic shifts within a decade.
- Increased reliance on courts to resolve redistricting disputes.
- May not fully eliminate partisan influence in the initial redistricting process.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill cites Article I, Section 4, which grants Congress the power to regulate the time, place, and manner of elections for members of the House of Representatives. It also references the Fourteenth Amendment, Section 5, which allows Congress to enforce Section 2, requiring fair apportionment. The Act appears to align with these constitutional provisions by aiming to prevent manipulation of district lines that could undermine fair representation. However, the extent of Congressional power over state redistricting remains a subject of legal interpretation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).