News
November 30, 2025
Ken de la Bastide column: Indiana's redistricting fiasco is embarrassing
What's taking place in Indianapolis to redistrict Congressional seats in time for the 2026 election is embarrassing for the state.
Indiana's attempt to redraw its Congressional districts in preparation for the 2026 election is quickly becoming a source of embarrassment for the state, according to a recent column by Ken de la Bastide. The process, intended to ensure fair representation and reflect population shifts, is instead mired in delays and perceived partisan maneuvering, drawing criticism from across the political spectrum.
Redistricting, the redrawing of electoral district boundaries, is a crucial process that occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census. It aims to account for population changes and ensure that each district has roughly the same number of constituents, upholding the principle of "one person, one vote." However, in Indiana, the current redistricting effort appears to be struggling to meet its objectives, leading to growing frustration and accusations of political gamesmanship.
De la Bastide’s column points out the sluggish pace and lack of transparency surrounding the redistricting process. The delay in finalizing the new district maps raises concerns about whether Indiana will be prepared for the 2026 election cycle. This delay not only creates uncertainty for potential candidates but also undermines public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the electoral system.
The current situation has fueled accusations of gerrymandering, the practice of drawing district lines to favor one political party over another. Critics argue that the proposed maps are designed to solidify the current partisan advantage, rather than reflecting the true demographics and voting patterns of the state. This perceived bias further erodes public trust and raises questions about the impartiality of the redistricting process.
The column emphasizes the importance of a fair and transparent redistricting process for a healthy democracy. When citizens feel that their votes are diluted or that the system is rigged against them, it can lead to disengagement and a decline in civic participation. De la Bastide suggests that Indiana needs to prioritize a more open and equitable approach to redistricting to restore public confidence and ensure fair representation for all its citizens. The current "fiasco," as he puts it, threatens to undermine the very foundation of Indiana's democratic process.
Redistricting, the redrawing of electoral district boundaries, is a crucial process that occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census. It aims to account for population changes and ensure that each district has roughly the same number of constituents, upholding the principle of "one person, one vote." However, in Indiana, the current redistricting effort appears to be struggling to meet its objectives, leading to growing frustration and accusations of political gamesmanship.
De la Bastide’s column points out the sluggish pace and lack of transparency surrounding the redistricting process. The delay in finalizing the new district maps raises concerns about whether Indiana will be prepared for the 2026 election cycle. This delay not only creates uncertainty for potential candidates but also undermines public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the electoral system.
The current situation has fueled accusations of gerrymandering, the practice of drawing district lines to favor one political party over another. Critics argue that the proposed maps are designed to solidify the current partisan advantage, rather than reflecting the true demographics and voting patterns of the state. This perceived bias further erodes public trust and raises questions about the impartiality of the redistricting process.
The column emphasizes the importance of a fair and transparent redistricting process for a healthy democracy. When citizens feel that their votes are diluted or that the system is rigged against them, it can lead to disengagement and a decline in civic participation. De la Bastide suggests that Indiana needs to prioritize a more open and equitable approach to redistricting to restore public confidence and ensure fair representation for all its citizens. The current "fiasco," as he puts it, threatens to undermine the very foundation of Indiana's democratic process.
Category:
Politics