2017/05/30 by Bernstein, Mira, Duchin, Moon · 1 citation
#FOS: Physical sciences #Physics and Society (physics.soc-ph)
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1705.10812
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.