Redistricting and Minority Representation : Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

Redistricting and Minority Representation brings together expert research and analysis of the past and present status of minority representation as influenced by the effects of redistricting and the changes that need to be made. It begins with an examination of the success of black candidates in white majority districts in 1996 elections, as well as the changing face of southern politics; then moves into a study of Hispanic representation which becomes more important as the Hispanic population grows. Next is a valuable guide to properly addressing redistricting issues for minorities upon the results of the 2000 census, and the final chapter concludes with a study on the significance of racially polarized voting on the electoral chances of black candidates.
The second part of the book provides commentaries warning about an optimistic interpretation of the victories of black candidates as a turning point for minority representation, a much more positive assessment of the state and future of minority representation, and a legal examination of the steps that must be followed while attempting to provide greater representation for minorities.

David A. Bositis is a senior research associate at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.