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arXiv:1705.10812physics.soc-ph

A formula goes to court: Partisan gerrymandering and the efficiency gap

Mira Bernstein, Moon Duchin

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Abstract

Recently, a proposal has been advanced to detect unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering with a simple formula called the efficiency gap. The efficiency gap is now working its way towards a possible landmark case in the Supreme Court. This note explores some of its mathematical properties in light of the fact that it reduces to a straight proportional comparison of votes to seats. Though we offer several critiques, we assess that EG can still be a useful component of a courtroom analysis. But a famous formula can take on a life of its own and this one will need to be watched closely.

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physics.soc-phPhysics and Society

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  1. The Supreme Court Looks at the Math of Gerrymandering 1 comment

    • This paper on arXiv about the proposed measure (efficiency gap) is worth reading: https://arxiv.org/abs/1705.10812 I still have not about EG, but in general I agree with some of the sentiment of the paper I linked: these things are difficult to properly catch with just one…

      aqsaloseView on HNParent context

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