What is Contiguity?

Definition and meaning of contiguity: Contiguity refers to the physical proximity or closeness of two or more entities, such as geographic areas, political parties, or ideas. In politics, contiguity often describes how electoral districts are drawn so that they are connected or adjacent, ensuring that the boundaries are continuous without any disjointed or disconnected parts.

The concept of contiguity is crucial in the context of redistricting, where legislative districts must be drawn in a geographically contiguous manner. This can help prevent gerrymandering, where district lines are manipulated to create an unfair advantage for a particular party or group by creating oddly shaped or non-contiguous districts. However, contiguity can be seen as detrimental when underserved or minority communities are widely separated geographically within an electoral boundary. 

Beyond geography, contiguity can also describe the closeness of political ideas or candidates on the same ballot. For example, candidates who share similar platforms or ideological positions may appear close to each other on a ballot, which can influence voter behavior. This form of contiguity might lead voters to choose candidates based on perceived similarities or party affiliation, rather than on individual merit.