Redistricting - The Shortest Split-Line Method

Along with Cara, Sarah, and Zach, I believe that utilizing the shortest split-line method (in which the shortest lines that split the districts equally are used) as a way to redistrict states is the most favorable method because it is the most unbiased, and thus, the most fair. Math is a much more legitimate decision-maker than a person, because the outcome yielded from an algorithm such as this is one that is a result of pure fact. While a person is very subjective and outcomes can change from one person to the next based on a certain bias that they may hold, math is something that is set in stone and produces a singular outcome all the time. The algorithm used is published and so it can even be checked by citizens to ensure fairness. Even in more fair methods such as proportional representation, there is a chance that a single person can influence the map in a way that benefits a certain party - and this cannot even be checked by the average citizen, which gives an advantage to elite groups. Of course, hiring one person to create maps that very obviously hold tremendous impact in the political process doesn't sound very democratic in the first place. It is clear that other methods, then, are much less fair to the whole population when compared to the shortest split-line method. Cara makes a good point - while in other systems, disputes may arise because the map has a skewed look and appears to have favored a certain party, the mathematical approach of the shortest split-line method makes it indisputable because it is unarguably factual. In other words, this method would be more widely accepted by people and there would be less controversy due to the unquestionable, unbiased validity of math. Yes, there may sometimes be outcomes that are unfavorable and group underrepresented people into districts where their voices are not given as much power as they probably should have, but when this is weighed against the often disproportionate results that would surely result from the use of other mechanisms, this error by default is much more favorable than intended favoritism that certainly occurs when this task is put in the hands of people. While in other systems the effect may be exaggerated purposely and crushingly, as seen in the redistricting game when we had to fulfill certain missions to benefit ourselves in some way, in the shortest split-line method is something that, for lack of a better term, just happens. If someone doesn't like the way it turned out for them, then they have the next decade that may bring improvement, since in this system, it is just luck of the draw, not luck of the elite.

Louisiana map, according to the split-line method using data
from the 2000 census.