of interest, neighborhoods, and political subdivisions to the extent practicable. A community of interest is defined as an area with recognized similarities of interests, including ethnic, racial, economic, social, cultural, geographic, or historic identities. Communities of interest may, in certain circumstances, include political subdivisions such as counties, municipalities, or school districts, but shall not include common relationships with political parties or political candidates. (b) Prohibited criteria Except to the extent necessary to comply with subsection (a)(2) and (3) and section 4, in establishing or altering the boundaries of any congressional district of a State, the State may not consider the following criteria: (1) The political party registration or affiliation of the residents of the State. (2) The voting history of the residents of the State. (3) The election results of the precincts of the State. (4) The place of residence of any incumbent, political candidate, or potential political candidate. (c) Permissible criteria A State may consider other criteria, in addition to the required criteria under subsection (a), in establishing or altering the boundaries of its congressional districts, to the extent such other criteria do not conflict with the requirements of this section or result in a violation of section 4. The permissible criteria under this subsection may include any of the following: (1) Geographic contiguity and compactness. (2) Respect for counties, cities, and other political subdivisions. 4. Prohibition on partisan gerrymandering A State shall not establish a districting plan that has the purpose or, except as necessary to comply with paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 3(a), will have the effect of unduly favoring or disfavoring any political party. 5. Enforcement and remedies (a) Right of action (1) In general Any eligible voter of a State may bring a civil action before a 3-judge court convened in accordance with section 2284 of title 28, United States Code, for a violation