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Competitive gerrymandering and the popular vote

Author

Listed:
  • Felix Bierbrauer

    (University of Cologne)

  • Mattias Polborn

    (Vanderbilt University and University of Cologne)

Abstract

Gerrymandering undermines representative democracy by creating many uncompetitive legislative districts, and generating the very real possibility that a party that wins a clear majority of the popular vote does not win a majority of districts. We present a new approach to the determination of electoral districts, taking a design perspective. Specifically, we develop a redistricting game between two parties who both seek an advantage in upcoming elections, and show that we can achieve two desirable properties: First, the overall election outcome corresponds to the popular vote. Second, most districts are competitive.

Suggested Citation

  • Felix Bierbrauer & Mattias Polborn, 2020. "Competitive gerrymandering and the popular vote," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 034, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:034
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    File URL: https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkdps/ECONtribute_034_2020.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. SunAh An & Michael Anderson & Cary Deck, 2023. "Gerrymandering in the laboratory," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 90(1), pages 182-213, July.
    2. Friedrich L. Sell & Jürgen Stiefl, 2021. "Missing the Popular Vote: Pitfalls in US Democracy and Reform Proposals," Intereconomics: Review of European Economic Policy, Springer;ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics;Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), vol. 56(4), pages 237-242, July.
    3. 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.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gerrymandering; Popular Vote;

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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