A recent national poll commissioned by Common Cause indicates that a majority of Americans support the creation of independent commissions to oversee the redistricting process, expressing skepticism about the fairness of maps drawn by elected officials. The poll also reveals broad opposition to mid-decade redistricting.
In Pennsylvania, although there is no active discussion about mid-decade redistricting, lawmakers have introduced a state constitutional amendment aimed at establishing an independent commission for drawing legislative district lines. This amendment, presented as HB 31 in the House and SB 131 in the Senate, has garnered bipartisan backing in both chambers.
Philip Hensley-Robin, Executive Director for Common Cause Pennsylvania, stated: “Our poll shows the public does not trust politicians when it comes to redistricting and Pennsylvanians of all political backgrounds want the pen in their own hands. It’s time for the legislature to listen to the people and pass the independent commissions amendment. That’s the only way to ensure that corrupt power grabs, like the mid-decade redistricting we’re seeing in Texas, can never happen in Pennsylvania.”
The survey was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights from August 26 through September 2. More than 2,000 registered voters nationwide were polled, along with an additional 400 to 500 registered voters in five individual states.
The issue gained renewed attention after President Trump encouraged Texas lawmakers in July to redraw congressional districts with the goal of securing additional Republican seats before the 2026 election. According to Common Cause’s polling data, most Americans—including those who voted Republican—oppose both mid-decade redistricting and partisan gerrymandering.
Common Cause has released Fairness Criteria intended to help states maintain long-term reforms for fair representation while responding to calls for partisan mapmaking. “The data is clear: voters want fair maps, not power grabs, and even Republicans reject the White House’s scheme,” according to Common Cause.
Findings from the poll show that:
– 57% of Republicans, 76% of Democrats, and 72% of independents believe it is detrimental when one party controls how voting districts are drawn.
– Opposition to allowing parties to conduct mid-decade redistricting stands at 51% among Republicans, 70% among Democrats, and 60% among independents.
– Large majorities favor congressional intervention against partisan mid-decade redistricting; this includes 60% of those who voted for Donald Trump in 2024.
– Nationally, a significant majority (77%) support citizen-led independent commissions instead of state legislators drawing district lines.
– A majority (60%) oppose partisan mid-decade redistricting.
– Most respondents think independent citizen commissions are best suited for handling redistricting and express dissatisfaction with current systems.
Polling materials including toplines and crosstabs are available on Common Cause’s website.
