Consequences and dangers of gerrymandering: An ongoing threat to voter equality and fairness
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, Newark, DE
Abstract
Despite the many movements and organizations dedicated to fighting against gerrymandering, gerrymandering and its various forms remain a current issue in elections. While gerrymandering has been an issue consistently brought before the Supreme Court, there has been no established measure to identify a gerrymandered district. There is a broad scope of literature surrounding suggested measures, such as the efficiency gap, the mean-median gap, and the seats-to-votes curve. Gerrymandering presents a clear and present threat to the equality of elections due to the lack of competition and an unfair process of redistricting. Reforms such as guidelines for commissions and the 2020 census need to be undertaken to ensure a fair and just reapportionment process.
Description
Keywords
Gerrymandering, Voter equality