7/1/15 8:52 AM

A few times over the years I've expressed my opinion that congressional gerrymandering really fouls up the United States' democracy.

The poisoned soil where the root of all evil flourishes. The arteriosclerosis to the life blood of democracy.

Three cheers for the Supreme Court of the United States for granting that independent redistricting panels are in fact legitimate Constitutional entities.

Recently I was astounded, but not surprised, that there is a practice known as "prison gerrymandering." Yes, your assumption is correct.

I yield the soap box to my colleagues.

7/1/15 9:07 AM

Gerrymandering has gotten worse with the availability of computer analyses of voting patterns and granular demographic information. The end result has been increased entrenchment of the political parties. The political game now is to ensure control of state legislatures particularly in the years following the census when redistricting is conducted.

7/1/15 2:19 PM

+1 to both. Gerrymandering needs much more discussion/attention on a national level

7/1/15 3:08 PM

+1


When Citizens United gets the axe I will give a +100

7/1/15 5:25 PM

I wonder what system works for defining legislative boundaries ?.

I've oftened wondered if using a zip code and/or zip plus 4 system to redefine the districts into areas of similar populations (not counting prisoners for obvious reasons), would work. Base the core area on an existing zip code to be as neutral as possible when defining the district, adding surrounding sub districts as needed to balance according to population.

No clue if this is practical but the system certainly needs to change.

7/2/15 8:34 AM

Speaking of gerrymandering, this is my congressional district:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan's_congressional_districts#/media/File:Michigan_US_Congressional_District_11_(since_2013).tif

Strange shape, huh? The intent (which was achieved) was to create a safe Republican seat while absorbing as many pesky Democratic voters as possible without fearing they could ever elect a candidate.

Alan

7/2/15 8:52 AM

Dave Stoler: Everybody cheats, I just didn't know...