Understanding Redistricting and How It Impacts DDC Products
Redistricting is the process by which states redraw legislative and congressional district boundaries, typically following the decennial U.S. Census. These new district lines can have significant implications for elections, advocacy programs, and political reporting.
This article explains how redistricting works in practice and how DDC platforms handle the transition.
When Do New Districts Take Effect?
Using Texas as an example:
Elections held in 2026 will be conducted using newly drawn congressional district lines.
However, the previously existing districts remain legally in effect until the newly elected officials are sworn into office.
This transition occurs in January 2027, when the new Congress is seated.
As a result, there is a period during which:
Elections are decided using new districts, but
Official representation, advocacy targets, and legal district assignments still correspond to the currently seated districts.
How DDC Get Out The Vote (GOTV) Websites Handle Redistricting
DDC’s Get Out The Vote (GOTV) websites are designed to support voter education and election participation. During redistricting transitions:
GOTV websites leverage the new district boundaries as soon as they are available for elections.
This ensures that:
Advocates are mapped to the correct voter resources
Candidate lists reflect the districts voters will use on their ballots
Election-related information remains accurate and intuitive for voters
This approach aligns with the voter experience during an election year impacted by redistricting.
DDC’s Democracy Direct® Grassroots, and Capitol Connect® platforms prioritize accuracy with respect to legally seated elected officials and active districts.
Accordingly:
Grassroots reporting, searching, and advocacy workflows continue to use existing district boundaries
This remains the case until the new districts officially take effect, which occurs when newly elected officials are sworn in
This approach ensures advocacy efforts are directed to the correct, legally seated officials
Mapping Assets to New Districts (Optional)
If a client would like to preview or analyze their political assets—such as individuals, facilities, or engagement data—mapped to new congressional districts prior to their legal effective date, DDC can provide this as an enhanced capability.
To request this service, please contact:
ondemand@ddcpublicaffairs.com
or reach out to your dedicated DDC representative