Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a specific political party or group, often resulting in distorted representation. This practice can lead to election outcomes that do not accurately reflect the public's voting intentions, undermining the principles of fair representation. Gerrymandering is controversial because it can entrench political power, discourage competition, and suppress voter turnout, as individuals may feel their votes carry less weight. The debate surrounding gerrymandering highlights the need for comprehensive electoral reform to ensure equitable and democratic electoral processes.