This graph was done using a simple but outstanding app to make climate change personal. [GitHub]
Entries from February 25th, 2018
Introducing the new Pennsylvania Congressional map
February 19th, 2018, 3:20pm by Sam Wang
Here’s the new Congressional map for Pennsylvania, drawn by advisor to the court Nate Persily. I think it’s a landmark contribution to the understanding of partisan fairness, in one of the most politically heterogeneous states in the Union – “Pennsatucky.” For anyone who’s drawn such maps, this particular one is a pleasure to look at. […]
Tags: 2018 Election · Redistricting
Pennsylvania partisanship, part II: Democrats in chains
February 17th, 2018, 8:02am by Sam Wang
The following analysis is a team effort by the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. John O’Neill drew maps which he, Brian Remlinger, Will Adler, and Madeleine Parker analyzed. For other people’s plans, we cited the work of Brian Amos. In a previous post, we evaluated the Pennsylvania GOP leaders’ proposal for redrawing the congressional map and found […]
Tags: 2018 Election · Redistricting
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2018, 1:05pm by Sam Wang
From the crew at Voters Not Politicians in Michigan, we have this awesomely dorky yet sweet sentiment: Be My Valid-Line!
Tags: Redistricting
When simple rules aren’t enough
February 13th, 2018, 6:36pm by Sam Wang
As the old political-science saying goes, “all redistricting is gerrymandering.” Inevitably, choices and tradeoffs have to be made. When it comes to representation, the resulting map can end up balanced – unless partisan advantage is made the primary criterion. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court set down clear “floor criteria” for what was absolutely required in the […]
Tags: 2018 Election · Redistricting
A statistical toolbox reveals Pennsylvania’s extreme Congressional plan
February 13th, 2018, 8:27am by Sam Wang
Mathematicians have been working hard to create ways to measure #Gerrymandering. 2017 was a big year on this: accumulating evidence showed PA most gerrymandered of all by two measures, among five worst by any measure. We all lose our voice when our votes don't count. pic.twitter.com/5fgCxTc00r — LWV Pennsylvania (@LWVPA) February 13, 2018 Today, Philly.com […]
Tags: 2018 Election · Redistricting
Three clues that today’s proposed Pennsylvania map is still a gerrymander
February 10th, 2018, 4:38pm by Sam Wang
An image of the Pennsylvania legislature’s proposed Congressional map has been released. It appears to be nominally in compliance with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s order, since it splits fewer counties than the current map. However, as we have seen in North Carolina, a prettier map can still conceal ill intent. Despite the low resolution, enough […]
Tags: 2018 Election · Redistricting
Partisan gerrymandering, the origin story
February 6th, 2018, 7:31am by Sam Wang
Where did this decade’s festival of partisan gerrymandering come from? Dave Daley dives into a trove of documents by Thomas Hofeller and other architects of the grand plan to make hundreds of Congressional and legislative seats uncompetitive after the 2010 Census.
Tags: Redistricting
Justice Alito draws the line
February 5th, 2018, 11:11pm by Sam Wang
Today, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito denied Republican legislators’ request for a stay of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s redistricting decision. That decision overturned the state’s partisan gerrymander, and remains in place. Therefore the drawing of new maps will go forward. Here’s a quick rundown of what the decision does – and doesn’t – mean.
Tags: 2018 Election · Redistricting