Should state senatorial districts be drawn along county/city lines?

[A18]

Yes, as long as they're drawn so that their populations are as equal as may be.

This is what Virginia's districts were like back in the day, before the courts apparently decided they weren't equal enough.

[muon2]

I would phrase it to say they should minimize the number of political jurisdictions that are split. The choice of jurisdictions depends on the state. In IL municipal boundaries can be quite unusually shaped due to ongoing annexation.

[A18]

I would phrase it to say they should minimize the number of political jurisdictions that are split. The choice of jurisdictions depends on the state. In IL municipal boundaries can be quite unusually shaped due to ongoing annexation.

The rule would be in each state's constitution. I certainly would not support a federal rule, and it would be unconstitutional (for state senatorial districts).

I imagine some states would do it differently, but I'm just saying, is this a good idea for the average state?

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

that'd be practically impossible in Minnesota

[muon2]

that'd be practically impossible in Minnesota

I don't think it's as hard you you think. Use counties, townships and cities.  Large cities will be split up, but one can avoid crossing boundaries. Don't aim to make the districts exact, but just within a percent variance.

[Alcon]

that'd be practically impossible in Minnesota

I don't think it's as hard you you think. Use counties, townships and cities.  Large cities will be split up, but one can avoid crossing boundaries. Don't aim to make the districts exact, but just within a percent variance.

It would be harder in Washington - we have unincorporated areas, and some very tiny incorporated areas, as well as very populated unincorporated areas.

[7,052,770]

it'd be tough in Mississippi.  They racially gerrymander significantly to make seats for black Democrats and white Republicans.  The few white Democrats like me (black Republicans are virtually nonexistant) get screwed.
But yeah, they definitely ought to go by city/county lines.

[muon2]

that'd be practically impossible in Minnesota

I don't think it's as hard you you think. Use counties, townships and cities.  Large cities will be split up, but one can avoid crossing boundaries. Don't aim to make the districts exact, but just within a percent variance.

It would be harder in Washington - we have unincorporated areas, and some very tiny incorporated areas, as well as very populated unincorporated areas.

The very populated unincorporated areas are an interesting situation. Are there any political subdivisions smaller than counties that would be useful? If not perhaps WA should use census tracts, which divide counties into areas of 2000 to 8000 people each.

[J. J.]

Phila, for example, has enough population for 3 or 4 state senators; how would that possibly be divided along municipal lines?

[muon2]

Phila, for example, has enough population for 3 or 4 state senators; how would that possibly be divided along municipal lines?

That's why I suggested the use of census tracts. For example, Chicago has enough population for about 13 state senators and there are no municiple boundaries internally. However, within Chicago, census tracts are grouped together to form Community Areas (roughly what the residants think of as the neighborhoods). Those areas would be a natural subdivision for that city. I don't know if Phila has any similar internal subdivisions to use.