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Electoral Maldistricting

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Listed:
  • Andrei Gomberg
  • Romans Pancs
  • Tridib Sharma

Abstract

We introduce a framework to theoretically and empirically examine electoral maldistricting—the intentional drawing of electoral districts to advance partisan objectives, compromising voter welfare. We identify the legislatures that maximize voter welfare and those that maximize partisan goals, and incorporate them into a maldistricting index. This index measures the intent to maldistrict by comparing distances from the actual legislature to the nearest partisan and welfare‐maximizing legislatures. Using 2008 presidential election data and 2010 census‐based district maps, we find a Republican‐leaning bias in district maps. Our index tracks court rulings in intuitive ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrei Gomberg & Romans Pancs & Tridib Sharma, 2023. "Electoral Maldistricting," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 64(3), pages 1223-1264, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:iecrev:v:64:y:2023:i:3:p:1223-1264
    DOI: 10.1111/iere.12652
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    References listed on IDEAS

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