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Fact check: What states have redistricted in non census years since 1970

Checked on August 25, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, several states have engaged in redistricting during non-census years since 1970, though the sources don't provide a complete historical list dating back to that timeframe.

Recent Non-Census Year Redistricting Activity:

  • Texas is the most frequently mentioned state, with sources indicating it redrew its congressional map in 2003 [1] and is currently planning another mid-decade redistricting effort under Gov. Greg Abbott [2]
  • Colorado and Georgia also redrew their electoral maps around the same time as Texas's 2003 redistricting [1]
  • California, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Florida, Indiana, and Missouri are listed as states considering or already involved in redistricting efforts in non-census years [3]
  • Ohio is specifically mentioned alongside Texas, California, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida as states where redistricting efforts are underway or being considered [4]

Legal Context:

The analyses indicate that Supreme Court rulings over the past decade have given states "increasingly unfettered power in redistricting" [2], making mid-decade redistricting more legally feasible than in previous eras.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question seeks a comprehensive historical list since 1970, but the analyses primarily focus on recent redistricting activity rather than providing the complete 50+ year historical record requested.

Key Missing Information:

  • No comprehensive list of all states that have redistricted in non-census years since 1970
  • Limited historical context about redistricting patterns in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s
  • Incomplete information about the legal and political circumstances that enabled or prevented mid-decade redistricting in earlier decades

Alternative Perspectives on Redistricting:

  • Some states have moved toward independent commissions to "de-politicize the process" [5] [6], representing an alternative approach to partisan redistricting
  • The analyses suggest redistricting efforts are often reactive, with states responding "to actions by the other party" [3]
  • Court-ordered redistricting also occurs outside census years, as evidenced by the Alabama case requiring redrawn state Senate districts to ensure equal voting opportunities for Black voters [7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself doesn't contain misinformation, as it's a straightforward factual inquiry. However, there are important contextual considerations:

Framing Limitations:

  • The question focuses solely on voluntary political redistricting but doesn't account for court-mandated redistricting that occurs outside census years due to legal challenges
  • The 1970 starting point may not capture the full historical context, as redistricting practices and legal frameworks have evolved significantly over this period

Incomplete Data Availability:

The analyses reveal that comprehensive historical data on this topic may not be readily available in standard sources, as most coverage focuses on recent redistricting controversies rather than providing systematic historical documentation [2] [1] [8]. This suggests the question, while legitimate, may require specialized academic or legal databases to answer completely.

Want to dive deeper?
What are the legal implications of redistricting in non-census years?
Which states have undergone court-ordered redistricting since 1970?
How do non-census year redistricting efforts impact electoral representation?
What role does the Voting Rights Act play in non-census year redistricting?
Can states redistrict in non-census years without violating federal law?