Glossary

GLOSSARY - G

Gerrymander

The drawing of electoral boundaries which result in a bias toward a candidate or party. The bias may be inadvertently achieved through geographic features or demographics. It is also possible for boundaries to be deliberately drawn in an attempt to obtain a certain bias. The term was originated in Massachusetts, USA in 1812 when Elbridge Gerry was Governor. One of the county's borders was drawn in a manner that resembled a salamander, so the word gerrymander was coined.

^top

General Election

An election for all the seats in a House of State Parliament. (See Conjoint General Election)

^top