Poll Finds Broad Consensus Among Voters That Gerrymandering Remains Major Concern

Survey shows overwhelming share of Americans view partisan map-drawing as a serious issue ahead of midterm elections.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

A newly released survey indicates that a large majority of Americans believe partisan redistricting is a significant issue as states prepare congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

According to the Rasmussen Reports poll, 88 percent of likely U.S. voters said it is a serious problem when states redraw congressional districts to benefit one political party, including 65 percent who described it as a “very serious” concern.

The findings come as redistricting disputes intensify nationwide, including in Virginia, where voters recently approved a referendum intended to establish new congressional maps that would favor incumbents from one party. That measure has since faced legal challenges that have halted its implementation.

Despite strong agreement that gerrymandering is problematic, voters are more divided on which party is primarily responsible. Among independent voters, 30 percent said Republicans are more likely to engage in the practice, 27 percent said Democrats, and 36 percent said both parties are equally responsible.

Partisan differences were also reflected in responses from party-affiliated voters. A majority of Republicans, 52 percent, said Democrats are more likely to engage in gerrymandering, while 47 percent of Democrats said Republicans are more likely to do so.

The poll surveyed 1,153 likely voters across multiple dates in April and reported a margin of error of three percentage points.

The results highlight widespread concern about redistricting practices even as opinions remain divided along political lines regarding responsibility for the issue.