This Article argues that gradually, and with no input from the public, our system of geographic representation—the system in place since our nation’s founding—has been undermined, particularly in states subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. In those states, grossly geographically distorted districts have imposed de facto “interest group representation” for racial, ethnic, and highly partisan elements of the electorate. The result is that many places no longer have a “functional” geographic representational system, but neither do they have genuine interest group representation.

       Professor Butler explores how the Voting Rights Act and other influences have contributed to this dilemma, and examines the future of geographic representation.