QUIZ: Gerrymandered District or Inkblot Test

Described by a federal judge as “reminiscent of a broken-winged pterodactyl,” Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District lies (flightless) across the middle of the state. Impressive gerrymandering, Maryland!

Described by a federal judge as “reminiscent of a broken-winged pterodactyl,” Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District lies (flightless) across the middle of the state. Impressive gerrymandering, Maryland!

In 2017, two separate courts ruled that some congressional districts in Texas, including this one, the 35th, are illegal. Why? Because the drawing of those districts was motivated by race. Unfortunately, you’re probably beginning to see a theme here.

In 2017, two separate courts ruled that some congressional districts in Texas, including this one, the 35th, are illegal. Why? Because the drawing of those districts was motivated by race. Unfortunately, you’re probably beginning to see a theme here.

What do large swaths of Brooklyn have to do with the west side of Manhattan? No one knows, except perhaps for those who created this meandering district in New York. Up until 2013, the 10th was in Brooklyn and majority - you guessed it - Black.

What do large swaths of Brooklyn have to do with the west side of Manhattan? No one knows, except perhaps for those who created this meandering district in New York. Up until 2013, the 10th was in Brooklyn and majority - you guessed it - Black.

The shape of the Illinois 4th, the famous “earmuffs” district, invites scrutiny—and laughter. And yet, as Illinois’ first majority Latino district, it is a major voice for that community.

The shape of the Illinois 4th, the famous “earmuffs” district, invites scrutiny—and laughter. And yet, as Illinois’ first majority Latino district, it is a major voice for that community.

The Louisiana 2nd, looking like a pixelated alligator or an eroded crescent moon, used to be contained almost entirely within New Orleans. But now it stretches out awkwardly toward Baton Rouge, concentrating Black voters in one district and diminishing their clout.

The Louisiana 2nd, looking like a pixelated alligator or an eroded crescent moon, used to be contained almost entirely within New Orleans. But now it stretches out awkwardly toward Baton Rouge, concentrating Black voters in one district and diminishing their clout.

Known as the “snake on the lake,” or the “mistake on the lake,” this skinny district runs from Toledo to Cleveland. Opponents of the 9th’s configuration argue that when a certain beach floods, the district isn’t even contiguous.

Known as the “snake on the lake,” or the “mistake on the lake,” this skinny district runs from Toledo to Cleveland. Opponents of the 9th’s configuration argue that when a certain beach floods, the district isn’t even contiguous.