Understanding US Congressional Districts: Boundaries, Representation, and Elections

What Is a Congressional District?

A congressional district is a geographic area that elects one representative to the U.S. House of Representatives. There are 435 districts nationwide, each serving a two-year term.

Key Features

• Redistricting: Boundaries redrawn every 10 years after the census to equalize population.
• Political Impact: Gerrymandering can skew partisan balance.
• Eligibility to Vote: US citizen, 18+, resident of the district.
• Election Day: First Tuesday after the first Monday in November (even-numbered years).