"Aresting Citizenship: An Analysis of Prison Gerrymandering in Pennsylvania"

• In Event: Political Representation: Race, Gender, and Age II

Abstract

This paper examines how the long-standing practice of “prison gerrymandering”  that is, counting individuals where they are incarcerated rather than in their last known residence before incarceration  was abolished in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While researchers have investigated the practice and consequences of felon disenfranchisement, we detail how Pennsylvania came to join at least eleven (11) other states in ending prison gerrymandering. In addition, we utilize GIS mapping to illustrate how prison gerrymandering skewed the political power from the urban communities in the state. Lastly, we conclude with a discussion of the implications for fairness with regard to redistricting and representation.

Author

• Dr. Keith Reeves, Swarthmore College