Gerrymandering by Computer

jefu writes "In the latest New Yorker there is an excellent article on redistricting and gerrymandering (more permanent URL). It discusses how recent gerrymandering is being done with the aid of computers. It also discusses how redistricting is polarizing voters and is making many seats in the House of Representatives 'safe seats' which effectively gives incumbents a permanent seat. It is not hard to see how this also tends to leave our 'elected' representatives in a position where voter input is less important to them than things like lobbying." Few articles about gerrymandering really get into how ugly and blatant it is.

Comments

What's new this time?

[Jay Maynard]

Few articles about gerrymandering really get into how ugly and blatant it is.

It's been ugly and blatant for decades. The only change is who's doing it, and the Democrats are screaming because they don't control the process any more.

Wake up and smell the coffee, guys: turnabout is fair play.

Re:Hmm

[deanj]

You know, the Democrats have been gerrymandering for YEARS now, and when the shoe is finally on the other foot, they're screaming like stuck pigs. Let them stew on that a while, and see how they like it.

Maybe this will finally stop gerrymandering once and for all. Gerrymandering is evil. Just take the state, divide it up into a grid, and be done with it.

Re:Independent electoral commission

[Dr Caleb]

Ethnic minorities already account for a larger percentage by capita of voters in Canada than the white majority. Perhaps they just appreciate the freedom more. Canada welcome new immigrants all the time. Even Americans. :)