ridings

Ridings are territorial divisions used for political representation. The term is most commonly encountered in Canada, where a riding is an electoral district that elects representatives to federal, provincial, or territorial legislatures. The term also appears in historical and ceremonial contexts in the United Kingdom, especially in Yorkshire.

Etymology: The word riding derives from Old English and related Germanic languages, meaning a division or portion of a territory. In Yorkshire, the riding designation referred to the historic three-part division: the East Riding, North Riding, and West Riding.

In Canada: Ridings serve as the basic units of representation in elections. Boundaries are drawn by independent commissions and reviewed periodically to reflect population changes. Each riding traditionally elects one member to a legislative assembly or to the federal House of Commons, and the number and boundaries of ridings can change over time.

In Yorkshire: The East Riding of Yorkshire, North Riding of Yorkshire, and West Riding of Yorkshire were the traditional subdivisions of the historic county. While their administrative functions have largely ceased, the terms persist in place names and ceremonial contexts and in some historical references.

See also: East Riding of Yorkshire; North Riding of Yorkshire; West Riding of Yorkshire; Electoral district.