Taming the 'gerrymandering' beast

We have become known for something other than the Eagles.

We have been saddled as the poster boy for the evils of what is called 'gerrymandering.'

Every time the issue comes up, the 7th District, home of U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan, goes front and center.

It was not that long ago that the 7th pretty much covered Delaware County.

It still does. But it has been twisted and turned to cover a few more areas.

Meehan now represents constituents in four other suburban Philadelphia counties.

That was the handiwork of the the last time the boundaries were redrawn via the magic of 'redistricting.'

The danger in all this is that in the process of this blatant political calculation - one which by the way is practiced by both parties - is that your vote can be made meaningless. The party in power stacks the deck even before a vote is cast, recarving political boundaries to include those who back them, and cut out those who might vote another way.

Now the matter is headed into the courts.

That might be the best bet in correcting this problem.

You can read our Sunday editorial on the issue here.

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