The Norton Center collaborated with the Schultz Fellows on Thursday, January 15, hosting an event on gerrymandering in U.S. Elections featuring David Daley ’88. This event, open to the entire student body, focused on the rise of state sponsored gerrymandering in the United States and how it could impact elections leading up to 2026.

Daley, a published author, has spent many years studying democracy and voting rights. Some of his books include “Rat F**ked” and “Anti-Democratic,” which explain gerrymandering: how political maps are manipulated and how it affects elections and democracy. 

The main goal for this event was to help students connect current events to their academic coursework, allowing the student body to have a greater understanding about the world around them. 

“My main project this year has been to bring current events more into the curriculum and give students more chances to talk about them,” said Victoria Ribeiro ’27. “A lot of people have never heard of gerrymandering, but it is becoming a much more common issue,” added Victoria. She shares how she did not realize the complexity of the situation before planning the event. 

During the talk, David Daley explained how gerrymandering affects different states, what it could mean for future elections, and possible solutions. Despite the shift in the political landscape, it is also important to note that everyone’s voice can still be heard.

“I don’t want people to lose hope that their vote counts,” Victoria noted. “Learning about things like this helps people become more aware and more informed.”

Fulfilling its goal of raising awareness around campus, the event was a success, with many students and faculty leaving with brimming curiosity about the ever-changing political scene.