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How redistricting and the Supreme Court have cut voters out of US House races
The ruling could help lawmakers and map-drawers in more states pursue lines that favor one party as competitive districts remain scarce.
The Supreme Court ruling last week allows states to draw more aggressive district lines, potentially shrinking the already small number of competitive House of Representatives districts.
Competitive races in the House have reached historic lows, with voters geographically sorted into deeply partisan areas; only 36 of the seats are currently considered competitive.
Analysts note that 65 districts voted for the opposing party's presidential candidate, and regarding the lack of competition, one observer said, "(6;FDE 5@?'E 5@ E92E]'."
Polarization gives parties the power to block legislation, as House members face little pressure to appeal to the political middle, making governing less productive.
Warning of an intensifying cold war, legal experts suggest states will target additional districts, further reducing the number of competitive races.