Fact check: When has redistricting been done in the between censuses?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, redistricting between censuses is legally permissible but rarely practiced. While district maps are typically redrawn every 10 years following the decennial census to balance population distributions, states are not prohibited from conducting redistricting more frequently ^{[1] [2]}.

The most prominent historical example identified is Texas in 2003, which conducted a mid-decade redistricting ^[3]. Currently, Texas is again attempting mid-decade redistricting under Governor Greg Abbott, with state Republicans convening for a 30-day special session to redraw congressional maps with the explicit goal of adding 5 GOP House seats before the 2026 elections ^{[4] [1]}.

This current Texas effort has generated significant political controversy, with Texas Democrats fleeing the state to block the vote and facing threats in the process ^[5]. The redistricting battle is occurring amid ongoing Supreme Court cases that could further impact redistricting practices, including a Louisiana case that may weaken the Voting Rights Act ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial contextual elements:

• Political motivations: The analyses reveal that mid-decade redistricting is often pursued for "overt political gain" rather than population balancing needs ^[1]. Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans would benefit significantly from this redistricting by potentially securing 5 additional GOP House seats ^[4].
• Historical precedent: Beyond the 2003 Texas example, the analyses don't provide a comprehensive list of other instances when states have redistricted between censuses, suggesting this practice may be even rarer than indicated.
• Legal landscape changes: The analyses mention that a decade of Supreme Court rulings have given states increasingly unfettered power in redistricting ^[1], indicating the legal framework has evolved to make between-census redistricting more feasible.
• Potential ripple effects: One analysis suggests that other states may follow Texas's lead if this mid-decade redistricting effort succeeds ^[4], which could fundamentally change how redistricting is conducted nationwide.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual, seeking historical information about when redistricting has occurred between censuses. However, it lacks important context about:

• The rarity of the practice: The question doesn't acknowledge that between-census redistricting is "rarely done" despite being legal ^[1].
• Current political implications: The timing of this question coincides with an active redistricting battle in Texas, but the question doesn't reference this contemporary relevance.
• The partisan nature: The question doesn't acknowledge that most between-census redistricting efforts are politically motivated rather than driven by genuine population shifts or legal requirements.

The question itself doesn't contain misinformation, but it may inadvertently normalize a practice that has historically been exceptional and is currently being pursued for explicit partisan advantage.