Date of Graduation

Spring 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Kristen Crossney, PhD

Committee Member

Angela Kline, PhD

Committee Member

Katherine Testa, JD

Abstract

Redistricting has, continues to be, and will likely remain a polarizing topic. There are certain rules to the road, as one might say, when it comes to the process thereof. These rules are typically found in the U.S. Constitution, the States’ Constitutions, and various laws and rulings that have helped shape the practice over time. In looking at the 2021 Pennsylvania Legislative Redistricting Commission’s map, questions still loom large, even when map creators claim fair, when it may be foul. Looking forward to the 2030 census and subsequently thereafter has inquiring minds asking: Will this process continue to be wrought with rhetoric, blame, and politization? Or is there hope in true reform to level the playing field and have the best map win. This dissertation focuses on the Pennsylvania Legislative Redistricting public comments section, a survey of 97 respondents to a survey about redistricting, and an examination of any similarities that may lie within that data. An examination of the population of districts, how some districts are formed, the variation of populations within those districts, and an examination of those populations when comparing Republican to Democratic is also explored. In a holistic approach, conclusions and recommendations are attempted to be reached to answer the age-old question of how can redistricting be done better, be made to be more fair, and an exercise that can be participated in by all and not just elite elected officials consisting of back room deals and swaps of interests by both sides of the aisle.

Final Version Confirmation

1

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Available for download on Monday, May 07, 2029

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