Redistricting Effect in a Non-Partisan World: Toward a Theory of Reapportionment at the County Board Level of Government

Authors

Amy Uden, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

Electoral redistricting shapes political scientists' perceptions of partisan polarization and incumbency. This paper examines the redistricting process at the county level of government, using the cases of McLean and Champaign Counties, Illinois. This research analyzes the McLean County board's voting cleavages in order to highlight considerations of nonpartisan electoral bodies. With Champaign County as a comparison, it also uses a series of linear regression models to analyze redistricting's effects on county incumbency and board composition. Redistricting impact proved insignificant, but the study demonstrates correlations between county electoral composition and state-level electoral trends, and also confirms the important influence of partisanship on redistricting and electoral outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Uden, Amy (2011) "Redistricting Effect in a Non-Partisan World: Toward a Theory of Reapportionment at the County Board Level of Government," Res Publica - Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 16
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/respublica/vol16/iss1/9