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Abstract
Fair maps are the foundation of a representative democracy. Gerrymanderers wish to create an unrepresentative legislature. The counter to gerrymandering is a fair map where the party distribution of likely representatives matches the party distribution of the state’s voters. This redistricting criterion was recently codified in the Ohio State Constitution. https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/laws/ohio-constitution/section?const=11.06 A Guide to a new approach for drawing fair maps has been written for citizens, advocates and members of redistricting commissions, as well as legislators and judges. A research article details, justifies and applies the approach. As more people become aware of approaches such as this, more are likely to ask, “Why aren’t we using procedures like this to build maps where the districts are compact and the maps are fair?”
Version notes
The Guide to Redistricting has been updated. It now discusses why Fair Maps are so important, and describes explicitly how to construct maps that eradicate gerrymandering. Three different maps are presented where the districts are compact, contiguous and meet the population requirements. The maps also honor local jurisdictional boundaries and provide representation for minorities and communities of interest. Most important of all, the maps are drawn so the party distribution of likely representatives matches the party distribution of the state’s voters. Gerrymandering is eliminated and representative democracy prevails.
Content
